Zoë joins 500 on the stage (From thisisoxfordshire)

Zoë joins 500 on the stage

9:00am Wednesday 7th June 2006

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SINGER Zoe Mace and 500 Oxfordshire children are urging sponsors to help with a massive concert to raise £15,000 for a range of young people's charities.

The musical extravaganza at the New Theatre, Oxford, is being held to help the Oxford Children's Hospital Campaign, the Oxfordshire branch of the Down's Syndrome Association, county children's bereavement charity SeeSaw, Helen and Douglas House, and InterAct, a drama group for youngsters with special needs.

"It's a mammoth task. There's close to 500 children with 1,500 costumes, but it's going fine."

Maya Sprigg, of Stagecoach Oxford

It is being organised by Zoe's family, who have already raised thousands of pounds selling her CDs, and Stagecoach drama groups across the county.

A number of firms have already pledged their support, including Cooper Construction, McLeans Coaches, Cokethorpe School, and TT Concrete, all of Witney, Buildbase, Rowland UK, Midshires Co-op, Smiths of Bletchington, Oxford-based Alden Press, and the Witney Gazette's parent company, Newsquest.

But more help is needed to ensure every penny possible is given to the five charities.

Zoe's mother, Linda, of Freeland, explained that £14,000 had been spent on the concert, which will be held twice on Sunday, June 18, and 20 per cent of ticket sales had to be given to the New Theatre.

She said: "We think we'll raise about £15,000 altogether, but it would be lovely if some more firms helped us, so that all our ticket sale money could go to the charities.

"The kids are fantastic. They're absolutely brilliant, and that's what's keeping us going really. I can't believe they can get any better. I think we'll shock a lot of people, because they're so polished.

"Everyone is really looking forward to the big day, and Zoe is so chuffed because we are helping all the charities that she wants to support."

Cokethorpe school pupil Zoe, 11, and the seven to 18-year-old Stagecoach pupils are practising for the show religiously every weekend.

So far, about 500 tickets have been sold for the 1.30pm matinee performance, and about 600 have been snapped up for the 7.30pm evening production.

Maya Sprigg, of Stagecoach Oxford, said: "It's a mammoth task. There's close to 500 children with 1,500 costumes, but it's going fine. I have no doubt that it will be a success on the night. It's a fantastic opportunity for them, because they don't go on a big stage that often."

To buy tickets for the Zoe Mace and Stagecoach Charity Spectacular, which cost £15, £12.50 and £10, call 0870 606 3500, or visit www.getlive.co.uk/oxford

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