A SOUTH Armagh schoolgirl who made it to the final of an international singing competition to record two of her own hits will donate all money raised by the music to a children's cancer charity.
Niamh Noade (13), described as an "angel with the harp", came fourth last year in TeenStar, a contest specifically for teen and pre-teen performers, and won recording time in AudioHaus Recording Studio in London.
The talented musician recorded two of her own songs, Missing You and Friendships, that she had written over lockdown during a professional recording session in September.
And later this month, Niamh will launch the songs with all proceeds raised to go The Cancer Fund for Children.
Her mother Deirdre said it had been a "whirlwind" year for Niamh after she secured her place in the competition, beating more than 1,000 artists to win mentoring from music and entertainment industry judges such as Carrie Grant and Julie Miles.
A pupil at St Paul's High School in Bessbrook, Co Armagh she was also the first harpist to reach the final.
"Niamh has had an incredible journey since the TeenStar competition last year," said Deirdre.
"Her prize was recording time in AudioHaus Recording Studio in London and when she went over in September, she recorded two songs she had written during the second lockdown - it was a fantastic experience for her.
"When she came home we thought she needed to do something big and positive to mark the end of the TeenStar journey so later this month, she's going to launch her songs on social media via a Just Giving page with all proceeds going to charity.
"Niamh was keen that we choose a children's charity and given the recent media attention in relation to waiting lists for children with cancer diagnosis we decided that the charity to choose was The Cancer Fund for Children. Niamh appreciates how fortunate she is with the opportunities that she has had in her short life and was keen to help children who are less fortunate than her."
A CD of her music has also been created and will be launched at a Classical Cabaret night in Lislea Community Centre on November 20, with all proceeds from the event also going to The Cancer Fund for Children.
"We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of people who, upon hearing that all proceeds of the CD were for charity, donated their free time including Dave Molloy, music producer; Danny O'Neill, pianist; John Davis, videographer and photographer Anne-Marie McAleenan," added Deirdre.
"The cancer charity does magical work to help children and we hope the proceeds raised by Niamh's journey can help them further.
"Niamh takes everything in her stride, she's very excited about her musical journey ahead, she loves performing and hopes the money she can raise will help others."
