WATCH: Inverness support worker who cares for son with complex needs and Raigmore nurse are set to take to the stage at Blue Lights Got Talent
A support worker who cares for her son who suffers from complex needs and a staff nurse who works at Raigmore Hospital, have teamed up to sing a duet in order to raise funds for charity.
Claire MacPhee (33) and Colene Watt (43) are taking a leap of faith this weekend (Saturday, September 21) by taking part in Inverness’ very first Blue Lights Got Talent. The event is raising funds for Cash for Kids and the Highland Hospice, in addition to raising awareness for Celebrating Amy.
Claire works at Cheshire House in Inverness and has been working in the care sector most of her life as she is incredibly passionate about helping people. Her son, Kian George (11), was born with a rare genetic condition called Sotos Syndrome.
This has a significant impact on Kian’s life, as he faces many challenges on a daily basis and requires 24-hour care. Kian has complex health needs and has spent a lot of time in hospitals due to ill health and has undergone many surgeries and procedures.
Kian also has autism, ADHD and epilepsy which has affected his ability to socialise with others. Additionally, Kian is non-verbal, with limited understanding, meaning that life can be ‘extremely frustrating for him’.
Sotos Syndrome has also affected Kian’s mobility, and the prospect of him walking was uncertain when he was younger.
Colene said: “We were amazed when he took his first steps at age 5. He has low muscle tone, valgus ankles, wears splints and uses a wheelchair but can walk short distances with support. He also has a peg to assist with his nutritional needs and daily medications.
“Kian loves nursery rhymes and enjoys listening to them over and over again, which makes him so happy. It is important we enter his world to help him live the best and happiest life possible.
“We have been on an incredible journey together and have faced lots of scary moments as parents. Kian is an amazing boy who has been through so much and his resilience shines through every day and we are so proud of him and so blessed to have him.”
Over the years Kian has received lots of help and support from Cash for Kids, including funding which allowed him to get his own specialist trike which helps his mobility and social life.
Colene is now keen to give a little back to the charity after their ongoing support and is singing a duet at the Blue Lights Got Talent event this weekend with Claire.
Claire, who is mum of two, devotes her time as a full time staff nurse on ward 7A at Raigmore Hospital. After years of putting her children first, she has decided to take some time for herself to do what she loves, signing.
Claire said: “I entered the competition to push myself to do something out of my comfort zone. I have been told that I am a good singer but have no belief in myself. I am painfully shy about it and kept it hidden for years - even from my husband!
“So, I am hoping to gain some confidence in myself and my singing along the way.”
Claire is also a huge charity advocate in and around Inverness and has helped numerous charities throughout the years by volunteering or fundraising.
Therefore, Claire saw this as an opportunity to help a cause that is close to her heart.
In 2020 Claire’s mum, Elizabeth Barron, sadly passed away leaving Claire passionate about helping the Heart Foundation. However, Claire soon lost an ‘amazing’ colleague, Lorna Malicki, who was a nurse practitioner at Raigmore Hospital.
After enduring such a loss, Clair is keen to purchase a LUCAS Machine with the donation money if she wins on the night. This machine would help administrators with CPR in emergency situations and would be in memory of both her mum and friend who would have benefited from the device as they both died as a result of cardiac arrest.
All of the acts will be scored via audience votes, in addition to judges scoring and the winning act will walk away with £1000 to donate to their chosen charity.
The event will take place at the Drumossie Hotel, in Inverness, on September 21.
