International "popera" star Geoff Sewell is used to performing in front of crowds of thousands at stadiums - but a group of sick Wellington kids may be his most appreciative audience ever.
The British-based Kiwi, who was back home last week promoting his first solo album Believe, took time out to entertain patients and staff at Wellington Children's Hospital.
He led the crowd in a harmonious Tom Jones medley while pyjama-clad children mimicked his dance moves.
Sewell said it was "fantastic fun", and has agreed to perform in a charity variety show to raise money for the new children's hospital later this year.
"I was born in Wellington and spent most of my life here, so when I heard about the situation with children having to be flown up to Auckland because there weren't the facilities here, I was shocked," the father-of-two said.
Child health issues are close to his own heart since his eldest daughter, Sienna, now 5, was diagnosed with autism in 2006, prompting his decision to quit "opera band" Amici Forever and spend more time close to home.
Wellington photographer Simon Woolf, who is organising the concert on behalf of the Wellington Hospitals and Health Foundation Trust, said it was wonderful that someone of Sewell's international standing wanted "to give something back".
The concert, which could take place as early as next month, was not just a fundraiser, but also a morale booster for the hospital, he said. "We want to show the community is behind the hospital and empower staff." The lineup includes Frankie Stevens and radio personality Nick Tansley.
Source: The Dominion Post
