Kay-Lisa Davidson excited for fundraising challenge and hopes to ‘set an example’ by entering Ness Factor 2024
Even having stepped on the stage several times before, Kay-Lisa Davidson never thought she would be standing on her own in a singing competition.
Seeing friends and family put themselves out there for charity fundraisers this year, though, inspired her to believe that she could give Ness Factor 2024 a go.
Daughter Heather won Stars in their Eyes as Amy Winehouse in aid of SNAP, while friend Ruth Mason entered Strictly Inverness in aid of Highland Hospice and Inverness Ice Centre.
Mrs Davidson had been in attendance at last year’s Ness Factor competition, and it was Mason who planted the idea in her head of entering for 2024.
After stewing over the idea for a while and eventually coming round, Mrs Davidson is hoping to be an inspiration herself for other talented family members.
“First and foremost I got involved to raise funds for the Hospice – you only ever hear praise for the Hospice, it’s a fantastic charity,” she said.
“I did sing at a wedding once, many moons ago. I didn’t enjoy it really because I was so nervous, but I’m glad I did it.
“I have also been involved in a few musical theatre shows, but I probably never thought I would do Ness Factor because I’m on my own, and I wasn’t sure if I was good enough.
“I wouldn’t put myself up for a singing competition if it wasn’t for the fundraising element of it. That’s what predominantly attracted me to it, but I also want to challenge myself.
“Heather doing Stars in their Eyes again I guess was a factor – if your kids are brave enough to do these things, then why not? She’s a better singer than me, but that was inspiring too.
“All my kids are really good singers. My 17-year-old Aimee has a very Billie Eilish-type voice, she’s fantastic, but we can’t get her to sing in public at all.
“Maybe it’s about setting an example for her to show that she can do it.”
Mrs Davidson’s experience on stage, although quite different to what awaits her in Ness Factor, will undoubtedly help to settle any nerves.
She is already thinking over song choices with daughter Heather and vocal coach Fiona Forbes, but another priority will be the fundraising side of the competition.
Top of the bill is a James Bond-themed event at the Drumossie Hotel on August 23, but despite how much of an undertaking fundraising can be it is part of the competition that Mrs Davidson is looking forward to.
“I’m excited about it, and actually that’s the bit I’m least nervous about,” she added.
“The singing is the bit that worries me, because I’ve got some fantastic raffle prizes through people I know so the fundraising is already taking shape.
“It’s daunting, but again it’s a challenge, so if I can raise a good amount for the Hospice that’s my main priority.
“We’re calling the Bond event Thunderball. We’ve got a few singers who are very good, who are going to do a few Bond themes. We’ll do a raffle, some games and a disco too.
“I’m also thinking about doing a mini-Olympics with friends and family, and maybe doing something at The Field in Alness, but I haven’t quite got that organised and figured out how that would take shape.
“My husband was also going to do a golf thing, so there will be a few things to come.
“The Thunderball will hopefully generate a good bit of interest, and I’ve kind of become a bit obsessed with fundraising for this.”
• Donate to Ness Factor 2024 contestant Kay-Lisa’s JustGiving in aid of Highland Hospice here
