Joining Ravi’s Dream Team Choir
I certainly am not a singer but mum Bethan wanted to support Ravi’s dream of appearing on BGT by putting together a team/choir of people who could support him on stage and throughout the process
Claire Howell
Claire Howell, Community Fundraiser for the South and South East region, supports our fabulous fundraisers in that region and often finds herself attending coffee mornings and Golf Days, or giving speeches at more formal events. She got to know Ravi and his family when they began to fundraise for the Charity, and was honoured to be asked to be part of Ravi’s Dream Team choir. Even so, singing live on Britain’s Got Talent was far from her comfort zone!
“I certainly am not a singer but mum Bethan wanted to support Ravi’s dream of appearing on BGT by putting together a team/choir of people who could support him on stage and throughout the process. Ravi’s Dream Team was made up of family, friends and others who had supported Ravi and family since his diagnosis, like his GP, school teacher, Occupation health specialist and others from his medical team.
I was asked to be involved as I have supported mum Bethan & Ravi with their fundraising and all of the amazing things they have done to support the brain tumour community since early 2022. There are also other children who are living with a brain tumour and their families in the team and we call ourselves the BGT family as we have all become so close during this extraordinary experience.”
Getting the Golden Buzzer!
“It felt really surreal standing on the stage at the London Palladium with this amazing team of people who I didn’t know quite so well back then, doing something so very much out of my comfort zone. However, once the music started and we began to sing, the reaction of the audience and the judges spurred me on. I was also singing to my husband who I lost to a brain tumour almost 10 years ago and all of the other amazing brain tumour warriors I have met over the years and so I gave it my all and enjoyed every minute of it.
“Initially we didn’t think that we would get past the auditions so we were absolutely stunned when Alesha Dixon pressed the Golden Buzzer! I will always remember that moment, and the look of surprise and joy on everyone’s face.
“All of the judges were so lovely and Alesha and Simon came on stage to meet Ravi and his family, it was actually really emotional.”
The Live Semi Final!
“On the day of the live semi final, the team met Ant & Dec properly for the first time. They are absolutely amazing, so good with the children and so friendly, they put us all at ease.
“The atmosphere on the night of the semi final was electric, the crowd were cheering us on as we walked on stage and music from the 1980’s was playing so we were all singing and dancing. The audience at home wouldn’t have seen this as it happened in the advert break, but it got us warmed up perfectly for our performance.
The performance seemed to pass in a flash and a bit of a blur, it was far more nerve wracking than our first performance at the auditions as it was going out live to millions of people. I think the children in the team coped with it all better than some of the adults.
“The whole experience has been absolutely incredible and being part of Ravi’s Dream Team has been an honour.
“Ravi and his family have been incredibly generous with their time, with not only fundraising but by sharing their story to raise awareness of this awful disease. I think that because Ravi’s Dream is not something for ‘him’ but for other children who have been or will be diagnosed with a brain tumour in the future, this has really resonated with a lot of people and he has endeared himself to the nation.
“We had some ups and downs along the way and some of the children have had to start treatment again and one was not able to perform at the live semi final because of this. But how everyone has supported each other through the good times and the bad has been remarkable and a total blessing and something I will remember always.”
Being part of Ravi’s choir was an honour.
What’s next for Ravi?
An update from Ravi’s mum, Bethan: “Ravi’s Dream Team will be performing at a few exciting events later in the year (please do reach out if you’d like them to perform at yours!) as well as expanding their Dream Team to all over the world! Keep an eye on Ravi’s social media to see how you can get involved!”
Watch Ravi’s Dream Team Choir
Ravi’s choir’s performance on Britain’s Got Talent was moving and powerful, earning them a Golden Buzzer. Experience this special moment here.
Get involved
If you’re inspired by Ravi and would like to get involved in fundraising around your community, we have plenty of great ideas for you. Click the button below to find an idea that’s just right for you!