BIG-HEARTED amateur singers have raised thousands of pounds for a disabled youngster by launching their own CD.

Members of Clacton Rotary Club stepped up to the mic – roping in friends and family to join them – to belt out their own versions of three classic tunes last year.

It took them six months to get their voices up to scratch, with the help of St James’ Church choirmaster Paul Siddall.

But it was worth the wait, with more than 700 copies of the CD sold and thousands of pounds raised.

Members were inspired to take on the challenge to help Alexia-Rose Sinclair – a toddler from Weeley who was born with quadriplegic cerebral palsy.

The condition severely limits Alexia’s movement and co-ordination, and her parents are trying to raise enough cash to fund a life-changing operation in America. It is expected to cost between £28,000 and £36,000.

Gazette:

Rotary Club fundraisers admitted their singing talent was “limited”, but sang their hearts out.

The CD is called Songs For Alexia and contains the tracks You’ll Never Walk Alone, Somewhere Over the Rainbow and I Dreamed a Dream.

They added to the proceeds with a donation from club coffers, and have now handed over a grand total of £6,000.

Rotary Club spokesman Mike Bareham said: “When one of our members, Trevor Norris, first suggested it, everybody looked at him like he was mad.

“But it is amazing what you can achieve when you try.

“Everyone had a great deal of fun and we are delighted to be able to contribute to such a worthy cause.

“We just hope that the family is able to meet the target and get Alexia over to the USA for the operation, which could be a real turning point for her.”