Watch Chichester neighbours sing adaptation of Wizard of Oz classic Over the Rainbow during Clap for Carers

Residents of Westgate in Chichester have put their own musical spin on the weekly Clap for Carers on Thursday evening by singing their own version of Over the Rainbow.
Nick Higham with Leo Higham, playing the trumpet, and Mikey Higham, holding the musicNick Higham with Leo Higham, playing the trumpet, and Mikey Higham, holding the music
Nick Higham with Leo Higham, playing the trumpet, and Mikey Higham, holding the music

The initiative was started by the Westgate Helpers volunteer group, which was formed in response to the Covid-19 crisis to help residents in need.

Louise Higham, one of the founders of the group, rewrote the lyrics for the Wizard of Oz classic to thank our NHS health heroes.

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She said: “I managed to persuade my son, Leo, to play the trumpet to lead the street in the singing. However, he was really nervous and, unfortunately, it went a bit wrong in the middle but everyone on the street seemed to like it all the same and were asking afterwards what we would sing this Thursday.”

Mum-of-four Louise, 57, a clerk to the governors for St Richard’s Catholic Primary School and St Philip Howard Catholic Secondary School, is also fundraising for The Brain Tumour Charity, and has raised £125 so far.

Her dad, Michael, passed away from a brain tumour in 1991 and a family friend also died in 2008, leaving three young children.

Louise said: “I am really hoping that, by posting this online, mistakes and all, we might be able to raise some funds for such an important cause, and at such a difficult time for fundraising for all charities.”

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Geraldine Pipping, The Brain Tumour Charity’s director of fundraising, said: “During these unprecedented times, we are continually inspired by the determined ways our UK-wide supporters are continuing to support us.

Louise Higham rewrote the lyrics for the Wizard of Oz classic Over the Rainbow to thank our NHS health heroes as part of the Westgate Helpers initiativeLouise Higham rewrote the lyrics for the Wizard of Oz classic Over the Rainbow to thank our NHS health heroes as part of the Westgate Helpers initiative
Louise Higham rewrote the lyrics for the Wizard of Oz classic Over the Rainbow to thank our NHS health heroes as part of the Westgate Helpers initiative

“As the world’s leading brain tumour charity, we stand together with Louise and her family and the nation in our support for the wonderful work and sacrifice all the NHS carers continue to do in the face of such frightening situations.

“A huge thank you to all of them and a huge thank you to Louise for making this Westgate tribute part of the national show of support.”

The Westgate Helpers will be leading the singing of Louise’s adaptation of Over the Rainbow again this week, but are planning a VE Day theme for next week – and maybe a rendition of Vera Lynn’s We’ll Meet Again.

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To donate to The Brain Tumour Charity go to Louise’s Facebook appeal or visit the charity’s website.

Louise and her dad Michael, who passed away from a brain tumour in 1991Louise and her dad Michael, who passed away from a brain tumour in 1991
Louise and her dad Michael, who passed away from a brain tumour in 1991

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