A DAD-of-three who founded a virtual choir is ending the month on a high note after winning a competition launched by father and son TV stars Martin and Roman Kemp.
Andrew Small, from Colchester, was nominated for the Specsavers UK Smile Maker award by Jenny Brown for all the work he has done to help lift people’s spirits during the pandemic.
Performance - Andrew on the stage
The 33-year-old, who previously worked as a music and singing teacher, quit his job at the end of 2019 to focus solely on the Buskerteers Choir.
But, when the coronavirus outbreak hit, Andrew was forced to take the Buskerteers online, which sparked the creation of a virtual choir.
The Buskerteers Choir, which was set up last January with aim of helping to raise money for charity via busking, has to date raised £41,300.
The group, which now has more than 300 members and is led by Andrew, recorded a version of Stand by Me, which helped raise £31,800 for the NHS.
Andrew said: "I’m over the moon to have won.
“It’s been a difficult year for everyone, so the fact that I’ve been able to bring a smile to people’s faces has been great.”
He admitted he had concerns over the choir’s future when the pandemic struck.
“However, it sparked one of the first virtual choirs which has lifted people’s spirits through the power of music,” he added.
“We’ve had such good feedback and have even had requests from the likes of BBC and ITV to produce songs for them.
“It’s been overwhelming to see the support and to also help raise so much for charities across the UK.
“It means so much to me that people view me as a smile maker.
“My main goal has always been to bring people happiness through music, so to be rewarded like this is fantastic.”
Smiles - Martin and Roman Kemp
As well as receiving the Smile Maker award, Andrew won a one-to-one video call with celebrity TV and radio stars Martin and Roman Kemp, as well as £1,000 and a glasses voucher to spend in his local Specsavers store.
Andrew added: “A huge thanks to Martin and Roman who were so kind about my work with the choir.
“They were supportive about everything we’re doing and commented on how they’d been moved by our videos.
“It really was a privilege to chat to them, as they are smile makers themselves.”
Former Spandau Ballet musician and actor Martin said: “This year has been tough, but people like Andrew, who has been so generous in his commitment to the community, make such a positive difference.
“We were thrilled to be able to virtually meet Andrew, learn about his incredibly inspirational work and say thank you for his service to making people smile.”
Roman, Capital Breakfast host and presenter, said: “It’s been fantastic being able to read all the stories of community heroes throughout the country.
“Seeing people coming together to give back to others in a time we need it most has been inspiring.
“Andrew is a very deserving winner and my dad and I loved chatting with him about his incredible work.
“Hopefully we made him smile in return.”
Colin Hope, store director at Specsavers Colchester, added: “The Specsavers Smile Maker competition has done a wonderful job of shining a light on those who have continued to make us smile when we have needed it most.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled that Andrew has been crowned one of the winners – he is a true community hero.’’
For more information, visit specsavers.co.uk/smile-makers.
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