Lancashire pop star Kevin Simm homes in on Childline with a live Chorley gig

Kevin is dedicating an online funding gig for the children’s charity amidts the coronavirus crisis.

The pop star, who won The Voice UK in 2016, should have been on tour with Wet Wet Wet in Australia right now.

But each Friday he has been hosting online gigs from his Chorley home for fans in lockdown.

He said: “I am really looking forward to it. Childline is a charity close to my heart. I have long supported Childline, especially since becoming a father myself and can remember many years ago as a kid going to pick my mum up from when she used to work at Childline, singing along to Mowtown with her on the journey home.

“I had wanted to run the Manchester Marathon but with the current health crisis that has obviously had to be rearranged. But I still wanted to do something now for Childline, as I feel we all see so many good things happening in our communities for the elderly or for those with underlying health conditions but not for children.”

Despite having to close the night service for the first time and having a 30 per cent drop in volunteers hours due to counsellors having to self-isolate, Childline is battling to still be there for children across the UK.

The NSPCC, who runs Childline, is concerned about the number of children who will experience abuse or neglect, with families struggling with lockdown, job losses and school closures.

Friday's live gig starts at 7pm and can be viewed via Kevin’s Instagram and Facebook pages. To donate visit www.justgiving.com/Kevsupportschildline2020

Rachel Walker, the NSPCC events and participation manager, said “It is amazing that Kevin has offered his support.

“Sadly, we know that for many children, home isn’t a safe place and they need our Childline counsellors more than ever.

“This is the greatest challenge we’ve faced in decades and we are calling on the support of the public to help us ensure we can still be here for children.”

To continue to support children during this challenging period, and to adapt to the ever-changing situation, the NSPCC has launched its emergency appeal ‘We’re still here for children’.