A SINGER who grew up in Little Bookham took a break from her busy schedule touring around the country to visit the Children's Trust in Tadworth.
Classically-trained soprano Natalie Coyle was delighted to meet children and staff last month, and hear about how music plays an important role in the specialist care the Trust provides to some of the UK's most severely disabled children.
Miss Coyle, 25, studied music therapy as part of her dissertation at Sheffield University and has always had a very keen interest in the subject.
She said: "While studying music at university, I specialised in music therapy and how music can be used as a treatment.
"It has been known for many years that music can act as a language for people with disabilities who cannot use speech and, alongside medicine, can help with treatment.
"I was keen to see how cutting-edge the treatment was at the Children's Trust, and how the children benefit from the music therapy rooms.
"Having suffered from severe dyslexia at school, I turned to music. Music changed my life and now I am lucky enough to have a career as a singer – I am truly honoured to work alongside the Children's Trust in Surrey, where I grew up, and I hope I can make a small difference."
The 25-year-old singer has pledged her support to the children's charity and is planning to take part in future fundraising events that involve musical entertainment.
Miss Coyle, who has sung with the likes of Susan Boyle and Katherine Jenkins, was touring the country with Classic Brit Award winners Blake when she visited the charity on June 13.
The visit came after the former St Teresa's pupil enjoyed performing in front of thousands of football fans at Wembley Stadium.
She sang the national anthem at the home of football in May for the Championship play-off final, in which Crystal Palace beat Watford in extra time to secure a place in the Premier League.
It was her second time at Wembley, having sung the national anthem to 50,000 people at the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final in April.
