Torbay teen to sing on BBC in front of millions

This year, for the first time ever, the BBC Children in Need Choir will feature children and young people from across all parts of the UK who have been supported by local projects funded by BBC Children in Need.

Led by renowned vocal coach and music arranger Mark De Lisser, the group of 19 children and young people will sing the anthemic ‘Never Forget.’

Dan, 15, has cerebral palsy, mild learning difficulties, and wears a hearing aid. He has had a life filled with surgeries, daily physio, and hospital appointments and has always struggled with feeling confident.

One of the things that brings Dan so much joy is music—he enjoys singing and all sorts of music.

Dan goes every weekend to a BBC Children in Need-supported project called Sound Communities.

There, he hosts his own weekly radio show that goes out every Saturday around Torbay on Ocean Youth Radio called “Dan’s Show.”

Dan said: “Discovering Ocean Youth radio has been amazing. It’s fun to learn and do the shows, and I really enjoy going there every week."

Dan is extremely excited to be part of the BBC Children in Need Choir.

He added: “I can’t believe I’ve got a chance to be involved in the choir! I’ve seen it on TV before, so it’s really exciting to be part of it this year. I am excited that I might get to meet Paddy and Lenny and give Vernon a high five."

Mark De Lisser, choir master, said: “Taking part in this project has been such an incredible experience. I’ve had such a brilliant time working with the children in rehearsals and getting to know their stories. They’re an inspirational group of individuals, and I can’t wait to show viewers the magic we’ve been creating.”

Tommy Nagra, Director of Content at BBC Children in Need, said: “We are thrilled to be working with Mark again and have him leading our BBC Children in Need Children’s Choir this year. Bringing together children from all parts of the country from projects we’ve funded will no doubt create something quite unique and special. A huge thank you to everyone involved.”

The BBC Children in Need Choir is one of the programme’s most popular features and an extremely emotive and moving moment.

The choir will be supported by children from the Halle Youth Training Choir, with the backing track recorded by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.

BBC Children in Need currently funds 33 projects across the South West to the value of over £2 million, providing a range of services that support children and young people in the local area who are facing a variety of challenges, helping to make their lives lighter.

Right now, Children in Need is only able to help 1 in 8 organisations that ask for funding. Money raised during the 2024 Appeal will help BBC Children in Need to continue working in communities across the four nations, funding amazing people in family centres, community spaces, youth clubs and refuges, homeless shelters, hospices, and helplines.

Tune into BBC Spotlight on November 11 to see how preparations are going for Dan.

Watch Dan perform live with the BBC Children in Need Choir on BBC One and iPlayer from 7pm on Friday, November 15.