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February 2004
Ed Carty, PA News
Teenage singing star Charlotte Church was today starting her 18th
birthday celebrations early, with a visit to the University Hospital
of Wales.
Charlotte was attending the hospital in her home city of Cardiff as
patron of the Noah’s
Ark Appeal which is raising money
to help fund the first children’s hospital in Wales. The singer was being presented with a birthday cake with children at
the hospital helping her celebrate by blowing out the candles.
Charlotte said: “When I joined the appeal I was a child myself and
I was shocked to find out that Wales is the only country in Europe
without a children’s hospital. That’s what drew me to it.
“It’s a really humbling experience, the children are so sweet
but it’s sad to see them if they’re sick.”
The campaign began in May 2000 and Charlotte has donated many prized
possessions to fund the appeal, including the dress she wore while
singing for President Bill Clinton in 1999, which is currently being
auctioned.
Charlotte added: “I’m taking along some teddies of my own to
give to the children. They are just some of the presents that I have
been given over the years.
“Every time I visit a different country I get gifts like that so
it’s great for me to give them as presents.”
Charlotte has also given much of her time to visiting sick children
and took part in walks with Ian Botham to raise much-needed funds.
The singer added that the Noah’s Ark Appeal had already done some
fantastic work, but that the fundraising was still only part of the
way there.
She said: “We’ve raised £6 million already and we need another
£1 million for the first phase, for more equipment and to do some
art work to make it more child friendly.
“I was in hospital when I was a child and it wasn’t unfriendly,
but it was still a hospital, so this should make children feel more
at home.”
Campaigners also hope the children’s hospital will be family
friendly as well as being child friendly by offering parents and
families somewhere to stay to be close to their sick children.
On her 18th birthday on Saturday Charlotte is set to take control of
a multi-million pound fortune she earned as one of the world’s
most popular singers over the last six years.
And while she will have millions to play with the singer remains
laid back about the weekend celebrations.
She said: “It’s just the usual, family and friends.”
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