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Talented Taylor is up for an award
Taylor Bellerby is nominated for Young Performer of the Year in the Pride of South Tyneside Awards
A TALENTED youngster has raised more than £750 for a cancer charity in memory of her tragic dad.
Taylor Bellerby was heartbroken when her dad, Ian, passed away last August aged 34, after a short battle with skin cancer.
But the talented 11-year-old channelled her grief into raising money for South Shields-based charity Cancer Connections by recording a CD of her dad’s favourite songs.
Now, those around her are hoping her hard work will be honoured after she received three nominations for Young Performer(s) of the Year in the Pride of South Tyneside awards.
Taylor, of Bywell Avenue, South Shields, was nominated by her mum, Vicki Pollard, her mum’s partner, Kayleigh Hutchison, and Deborah Roberts, co-founding member of Cancer Connections.
Ms Pollard, 29, said: “Six months ago, Taylor tragically lost her dad to cancer. This came as a massive shock to Taylor and everyone as he was given just 24 hours to live and we had no time to prepare Taylor for her world coming crashing down around her.
“I remember the day I told her, as a mother it was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do, and watching her crumble over the days and weeks that followed, knowing nothing I could say or do would make her happy again was just awful.
“However, after the funeral, Taylor took it upon herself to sing the songs her dad loved to hear her perform. She started practising in her bedroom, which was lovely to hear once again, then announced that she wanted to use her gift to help raise money for cancer support.
“I thank my lucky stars every day for blessing me with such a beautiful, caring, talented daughter. Words can’t express how much pride I have in my heart for her.”
Do you know someone South Tyneside should be proud of? Nominate them by following this link.
Taylor’s two-track CD, which she sells copies of for £5, features covers of Adele’s version of Make You Feel My Love and I Miss You, by Miley Cyrus.
Mr Bellerby, of Donkins Street, Boldon Colliery, was diagnosed with skin cancer after finding a mole on his leg.
But by the time the popular Boldon CA cricketer visited the doctor, the disease had spread.
Within weeks, it was so advanced that it became irreversible.
Ms Hutchison said: “Having something to focus on helps Taylor cope with the sad loss.
“She has been very brave and with the help of Cancer Connections and her singing, she is at a healthy stage in her grief for her dad. Her family is so proud of her and what she has done.”
Ms Roberts, of the Harton Lane charity, added: “Through all the difficulties Taylor has had to face, she sells her own CDs to raise money for other cancer patients at Cancer Connections.
“Taylor is inspiring and can move you to tears as she sings from the heart.”
Twitter: @ShieldsGazVicki
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Wednesday 23 May 2012
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susan5
Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at 09:00 PMVery well dune taylor, your dad would be very proud.................
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