Stenhousemuir girl's street concerts raise £1100 for Strathcarron Hospice

Residents of Neidpath Drive have lined the street each Thursday night for the past couple of months to listen to talented Lily McGuire.

The 12-year-old began singing live outside her family home following the weekly Clap for Carers to “build up morale” and support the crucial work of the Fankerton-based hospice.

And she has more than achieved her goal, with thrilled neighbours, family and friends having donated £1130 to her online fundraising page.

Mum Sharon said: “We’d been having a chat about how difficult things were going to be for local charities and were discussing Strathcarron because I know people there.

“We were trying to think if there was something we could do. We had also been discussing the people in our street who were shielding and Lily thought it would be nice to do something to build up morale in the street and encourage people outside, while obviously social distancing.

“She is aware of how much is needed to run Strathcarron.

“Lily loves to sing and she’s very good at it and knows it can make people happy so she decided that was what she wanted to do.

“Last night was the conclusion because we didn’t realise the week before was going to be the last clap and she wanted to do a finale for everybody.

“A few songs I found quite tear-jerking! I thought she did amazing.”

As if performing for her full street wasn’t demanding enough, Lily also challenged herself to memorise a new song each week.

The youngster has managed to cover a number of hits during lockdown, including Hallelujah, True Colours, Read All About It and Mr Rock and Roll.

Sharon added: “The people in the street have been absolutely amazing and have supported her every week.

“I would like to thank the people who have come out to listen. A huge thank you too to everybody who has donated.

“It has been a great experience for Lily to stand out there every week. We have been here for 12 years and there are people along the street we didn’t know and they have all come out and we know them now which is just lovely.”

Click here to donate to Lily’s fundraising page.