Category: News

Hundreds of people turned out to support a special production which marked a theatrical first for a Solihull performing arts school.

Children with additional needs were among the 50 youngsters sharing the stage spotlight in Over The Rainbow at Land Rover Sports and Social Club on Sunday.

The show, starring youngsters aged between three and 18, was the culmination of months of rehearsals for what marks a first musical production of its kind by Born2Sing, an academy which also welcomes those with complex learning needs.

Led by Gemma Mills, a trained specialist in Sounds of Intent, Born2Sing goes beyond traditional performing arts education by offering tailored support, private vocal coaching, audition preparation, GCSE support, and career guidance.

It’s the challenges she herself has faced as a mother of children with autism and ADHD that have inspired Gemma to provide opportunities for those with special educational needs (SEN) to thrive. Through Born2Sing, she has pioneered an inclusive performing arts space where young people, regardless of ability, can find their voice, gain confidence, and succeed in ways they never thought possible.

Gemma said: “We have done many performances before. Open mic nights and showcases are a regular part of Born2Sing, however, we had never done a musical theatre production. With children of mixed ages and abilities, it is fair to say there have been challenging moments but we have made adjustments to be able to create the vision and with an amazing team of teachers working hard together.

“Many of our students have lots of experience performing on stage and do it regularly however, we have many children within Born2Sing who would struggle to perform on stage because of the demand, anxiety and potentially lack of preparation and support. We felt it was time to give all of our students the opportunity to support each other and create something special.

“Also teaching them patience, commitment and empathy as well as learning valuable life skills. They developed friendships, built confidence they didn’t realise they had and have had fun along the journey.”

Since its launch in 2021, the multi-award-winning academy’s impact also extends beyond the classroom through both funded and non-funded programs, ensuring that financial barriers do not limit access to the arts. Students are given numerous opportunities to shine, from termly Open Nights and showcases to fundraisers and theatre performances.

Gemma continually supports her local community by offering workshops, private coaching, and music sessions within dance schools, SEN provisions, care homes, and facilities. And all while living with the daily pain of her own chronic health conditions, fibromyalgia and endometriosis.

She said: “Having health conditions makes running a business incredibly challenging. From day to day I do not know how I will feel or if I will be in a flare up that will impact my work. But Born2Sing is supported by an amazing team of staff and volunteers who hold everything together, especially when I feel unwell or am unable to attend at times. I am incredibly grateful for them and for all they do.”

Last month Born2Sing was officially recognised when Gemma was presented with a Special Recognition Award at Ladies First Inspirational Women Awards, held at Dallas Burston Polo Club IXL Centre in Southam.

She said: “Born2Sing allows students of all abilities to feel welcome in an environment where they can find their voice in their own time and at their own pace.

“I was inspired by my sons, now aged 15 and 12, who have Autism and ADHD to provide a space for others to be able to feel nurtured through music as there is so much evidence to prove how music supports those with special educational needs. I am also inspired by our staff and volunteers, many of whom have lived experience of children with special needs or work with children with additional needs.”

Students who needed it were offered extended rehearsal time in familiar space, ahead of the two sold-out shows, each performed for audiences of 170 people on Sunday (July 6^th). Lead roles were played by Iona McMurchie (Dorothy); Kelsey Morris (Scarecrow); Kayla Davison (Tin Girl); Liliana Skarzynska (Lion); Carey Mills (Oz); Aimee Firkins (Glinda); Bethany Webb (Wicked Witch) and Georgia Davey (Captain).

A proud Gemma added: “Over the Rainbow was so magical. It was a show that truly celebrated diversity and that with Born2Sing we embrace every voice and story and proves that the power of music and the arts breaks down all barriers, we are so proud of all the children!”

Zoe Morris, proud mum of Kelsey, said after the show: “I never thought as a SEN parent my child would ever be able to take part in something like this. They go above and beyond to meet all children’s needs and bring out their full potential.”

To find out more about Born2Sing visit HERE.

Cyclists completed a gruelling 200-mile bike ride in sweltering heat to raise more than £60k for Warwickshire children’s charity Molly Ollys.

Around 30 hardy fundraisers saddled up in Great Yarmouth on Friday (June 27th) before setting off on the three-day ride to The Durham Ox in Shrewley, where they received a welcoming reception.

Cyclists ranging from 18-year-old Hannah Wright, to 67-year-old Tim Ollerenshaw, took part in the challenge, which stopped en route at Kings Lynn and Market Harborough.

Tim established the charity with his wife Rachel in 2011 following the death of their eight-year-old daughter Molly from a rare kidney cancer.

Among the local fundraisers joining the ride for the first time were Neil Muller and Pete Haslam.

Neil said: “Molly Ollys has always held a special place in my family’s heart. As a newcomer to this year’s cycling challenge, I was truly awestruck by the camaraderie and spirit across the entire group.

“Rachel Ollerenshaw’s inspiring leadership and sense of purpose, combined with her team’s meticulous planning, the dedication of every cyclist, and the incredible generosity of our donors, have left us all with an overwhelming sense of pride.”

Pete said: “As a new rider on the Molly Ollys ride from Great Yarmouth to Warwick, it was fantastic to be surrounded by like-minded people, all pushing through the distance, heat and wind to raise money for this wonderful children’s charity. The camaraderie and shared determination made it an unforgettable experience.”

Molly Ollys works to support children with terminal or life-limiting illnesses and their families and help with their emotional wellbeing. As well as providing more than 4,300 wishes to date, they donate therapeutic toys and books to both children directly and to hospitals throughout the UK.

Olly The Brave is a therapeutic toy that helps children understand their treatment journey. Along with a set of books from the charity’s exclusive Olly The Brave series, stock the lion and books now been handed out to more than 70 hospitals or health centres to distribute to children undergoing treatment. Olly has his own Hickman line and a detachable mane which helps to explain and normalise the effects of chemotherapy.

Part of more than £5m raised to date, has also been used to fund the first consultant in paediatric palliative medicine at Birmingham Children’s Hospital and pay for the training of a further two consultants.

Molly’s mum Rachel Ollerenshaw said: “Another Molly Ollys Cycle Ride, another amazing group of individuals who completed the challenge as a team. A beautiful coastal start on Friday was followed by tougher conditions the next day with over 30 degree heat plus strong winds to contend with.

“All the cyclists helped each other through it and they finished as a group back at The Durham Ox on Sunday afternoon. Every rider was determined to finish to help raise as much as we could to make a difference. It is a very special and unique event that epitomises the aims of the charity, pulling together to help make the dark days brighter for the children and families that need our support.”

“Molly Ollys work with other charities and health professionals to get the best support to the children that need it. These cyclists working as a team raised a phenomenal amount. I cannot thank everyone involved in all aspects from start to finish enough. What a brilliant achievement all round that will enable us to help many children.”

“The cyclists received a lot of support from charity partners en route, including New Horizon Logisitcs, in Warwick, Oakland International Ltd, in Redditch; John Cleary Photography in Leamington; Warwick Racecourse and musicians Acoustic Beats, Rockin Warren and Barton Hollow, who played at the cyclists’ welcome back party at The Durham Ox.

Donations are still welcome HERE.

Plucky fundraisers are taking a leap of faith for a local charity by abseiling 90 ft down Coventry Cathedral next month – and if you look closely you might spot a zebra!

The 12 daring volunteers will be descending from the top of the cathedral, all in aid of Feed The Hungry UK and Coventry Foodbank.

Canon Gavin Kibble MBE is donning a zebra onesie and joining the rest of the fundraisers for the charity challenge, organised by the Cathedral, on July 19^th.

A Canon of Coventry Cathedral, Gavin founded the Foodbank 15 years ago and, and, after merging the charity with Feed the Hungry in 2021, became CEO in 2025.

He said: “Throwing myself off the side of Coventry Cathedral was definitely not part of my life plan, but after speaking to our charity’s partner in Southern Ukraine, I felt I had to do something. He explained to me about the refugee situation there and that its organisation was still feeding hundreds of families who have lost everything in this tragic war.

“So I’m just making a simple request: Please sponsor me to abseil down the cathedral in a zebra onesie! With this money we can buy food to help this situation.”

Other fundraisers gearing up for the big drop include Rev Gareth Irvine, of St Laurence’ Church in Foleshill, home to one of Coventry Foodbank’s 15 hubs since the pandemic.

He said: “More than five years on, the Hope Hub at St Laurence’s continues to support families, couples and individuals in need of a helping hand on a weekly basis every Tuesday with emergency food parcels.

“Demand has continued to grow through the cost of living crisis, and it’s needed more than ever! If I ever found myself in a situation where I couldn’t feed my own family, I’d like to hope that something like a foodbank would be available to help me. It’s one way the local church can partner with local charities like the Foodbank.”

Gareth, 44, added: “The Cathedral is a place which holds lots of special memories for my family and our community – I was ordained as a priest in the Church of England there in 2012, and in 2018 was part of the Knife Angel visit following a number of tragic events involving violence towards young people.

“I still remember abseiling as a 10-year-old boy on my Y6 school residential down a rockface in Wales – I’m hoping it’s like riding a bike and it all comes back to me!”

For 46-year-old Verona O’Leary, from Wyken, the challenge will have special meaning, taking place in the month that marks the year anniversary of her late father’s death. James O’Leary was a well-known charity champion in the city he called home for more than 60 years.

Veronica said: “I’m doing this in dad’s memory. The closest I’ve done to anything like this is walking up the cathedral spire once. Oh, and I’ve been to Go Ape!”

Gayle Cranage is looking forward to supporting a charity that is close to her heart after 18 months spent volunteering at Foleshill Foodbank.

A born and bred Coventrian, the 56-year-old said: “I thought it was a great opportunity to do something exciting in my home city at the iconic Coventry Cathedral while raising money for a great cause at the same time. I’ve never done any fundraising stunts before but maybe this could be the start of something!”

Coventry Cathedral is most famously known for being bombed during WW2, which left it, and much of the city centre, in ruins.

Its destruction touched the hearts of many countries around the world, who contributed and gifted elements of the building of the New Cathedral. The decision to leave the Ruins as they were after the Blitz became a powerful global symbol of peace building and forgiving enemies. Standing in union with the New Cathedral, the two cathedrals stand as a powerful symbol of peace across nations.

The day will include free entry to the Blitz Museum, Coventry Cathedral and Ruins, plus stalls, visiting choirs and children’s activities. For those who wish to learn more about the charity, Coventry Foodbank will also have an activity tent set up in the Old Cathedral Grounds between 9.30am and 4.30pm on the day.

Mandy Spraggett, Head of Fundraising at Coventry Cathedral said: “The Cathedral is holding a Charity Day celebrating our 2^nd year of becoming a charity. We know how difficult it is to raise funds for our core costs of maintaining Coventry Cathedral and Ruins and we understand that is so difficult for small charities around the City to raise funds too. There will be 100 abseilers in total, supporting small local charities with the opportunity to raise funds for their amazing Coventry and Warwickshire based causes with an abseil.”

To support Gavin’s abseil donate HERE.