Monday, 11 February 2008
By REBECCA GARDINER
• Howick and Pakuranga Times
KIWI crooner Will Martin was singing from a different song sheet at Manukau’s Kidz First Hospital last week.
The 23-year-old classical music celebrity sang along with young patients during a SingStar competition at the hospital on Thursday.
Mr Martin took part in the karaoke-style game for more than an hour, singing pop music hits that delighted his young audience.
South Auckland Health Foundation (SAHF) public relations officer Michelle Kidd says the singer made an impression on the children from the start.
“The event was very special,” says Ms Kidd. “He just had a real way with the kids and an empathy with them.”
At one stage the hospital playroom was “chocka”, with patients, their families and staff jammed in to get a good look.
“He didn’t win any of the competitions. He signed a hundred autographs and was just natural. He’s really busy, but he just said, ‘What can I do to help?’”.
Kidz First Hospital is the recipient charity for this year’s SkyCity Starlight Symphony.
“It’s such a worthy cause,” says Mr Martin, who is set to perform at the event. “I’m sure every concertgoer will get behind the event and bring along a gold coin for Kidz First.”
SAHF executive director Pam Tregonning says all donations collected at the concert will help pay for paediatric equipment at Middlemore Hospital’s new Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
“Around 80 children from all over New Zealand are admitted to Middlemore’s intensive care unit every year,” says Ms Tregonning.
“Every dollar raised will help Kidz First get the ICU space and equipment they need for children and their families.”
Up to 200,000 people are expected to fill the Auckland Domain for the SkyCity Starlight Symphony concert on February 23.
Event organisers have put together six special packages for auction on TradeMe, including pamper packs, accommodation deals and picnic hampers.
