X factor to help St Andrew's Children's Hospice

Publish Date: 29 November 2011

X FACTOR CONTESTANTS BRING X FACTOR SPARKLE TO SERIOUSLY ILL CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES

 As part of their support for the charity Together for Short Lives, X Factor contestants made a surprise visit to a children's hospice on the 25 October.  Along with 49 other organisations who support life-limited children in their families in the UK, St Andrew's Children's Hopsice is to receive a share of proceeds from this year's X Factor Charity single.

Jane Whenham-White Head of Fundraising at the Hospice says: "We are delighted that the X Factor finalists are so active in supporting our cause.  The X Factor Charity Single will make such a difference. It will raise awareness of the needs of children and families we support, and important funding to allow us to do even more to help them."

 Following their visit to a children's hospice, the finalists said:

 Johnny Robinson

"Everyone reading this, please go and buy ten copies of the single! I can tell you for definite that it's a very good cause and you'll be making someone very happy by buying a copy.  Hopefully I've made a little bit of a difference today. It might not be much, but hopefully it's something, and I've given something back.  Life's not about taking, it's about giving, so I'm very grateful."

 Sophie Habibis

"The single is to raise awareness and money, and give these children a better life.  It can be scary sometimes going on stage and performing, and lots of bad things can run through your mind.  But all I need to do from now on is think about the young kids I've met today who have real problems.  Really, I'm the one who's going to walk out of here with a big smile on my face, it's not just them!  It works both ways."

 Amelia Lily

"I can really relate to these children and that's overwhelming but inspiring. I feel very blessed."

 Two Shoes

Lucy: "Obviously because Charley's expecting, it's such a good cause for us."

 Frankie Cocozza

"It's a bit mad to think that we can make that difference to them. Simon [Cowell] has definitely made the right choice, choosing this charity."

 Jonjo

"To be able to use that recognition and little bit of 'stardom', if you like, in such a positive way is amazing."

 Marcus

"We're under so much pressure and it feels at times like the whole world's looking at us, but we've got to remember it's just a TV show and being here brings us back down to earth."