Budding star Bella sings for Dr Kershaw’s

Bella Cunnington, 11, has already performed at some of the North West’s biggest venues, but took time out of her busy schedule over the festive break. The Ariana Grande fan made a special appearance at our Bereavement Group, which supports people whose loved ones received care from the Hospice.

Bella sang a selection of hits, including ‘Over the Rainbow’, ‘Walking in the Air’ and ‘A Holly Jolly Christmas’. She then drew rapturous applause from staff and visitors after performing in Dr Kershaw’s’ in-house Café K.

The kind-hearted youngster has already supported the hospice by raising £120 by selling Taylor Swift inspired bracelets with her friend, Lucy Barratt. Her grandfather, Eddie Barton, volunteers at Dr Kershaw’s and she goes to his house each morning to practise singing before school. The hard work has paid off, with Bella previously landing a role in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at Manchester’s Palace Theatre. She even made it to the final 20 of over 5,000 people auditioning for a role in the Les Misérables world tour. Recently she performed in The Snowman with a live orchestra at Stockport Town Hall, after performing with them at Queen Elizabeth Hall in Oldham when she was just eight years old.

Bella, who trains at Elm Arts Company five days per week, said: “I love being on stage, as I can be myself even though I am playing a part. I just want to sing, dance and make people happy.”

The trip to Dr Kershaw’s marked Bella’s first time at a hospice.  

She said: “I had such a nice feeling when I walked in – it was like I was stepping into a warm home. There was lovely encouraging writing on the windows of the wellbeing centre, and it felt so calm. It wasn’t what I thought it would be, and I really liked that there isn’t just a focus on clinical things. The staff and volunteers that I met were all so friendly and caring.”

Bella’s mother, Natalie Cunnington, said: “We felt privileged to visit Dr Kershaw’s – it is a really special place. My dad loves volunteering here, and I have friends whose parents have used the services or needed care from the Hospice at Home team. We are very proud of Bella.”