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We’ve got the X Factor

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Amazing news! Together for Short Lives has the X Factor once again and will benefit from the sale of the celebrity winner’s single, alongside Shooting Star Children’s Hospices. The money raised will help us to be there for families facing the heartbreak of knowing their child will die young. All UK record company profits from the X Factor 2019 celebrity winner’s single will be donated to Together for Short Lives and Shooting Star Children’s Hospices.

All 13 of The X Factor Celebrity Finalists have recorded a special cover of the song ‘Run’ originally by Snow Patrol. This cover version will be released as a single with all record company profits from sales and audio streams going towards two charities – Together For Short Lives and Shooting Star Children’s Hospices. You can download the charity single here.

X Factor created some magic for Hallie and her family, who are supported by Demelza Children’s Hospice. Following a surprise visit from Simon Cowell to the Demelza Hospice in Sittingbourne in early November this year, Hallie was given the opportunity to fulfil her life-time dream – to sing on this year’s X Factor charity single. Our Patron Simon Cowell came to the hospice and spent the afternoon chatting with children, siblings and families and posing for photos and selfies.

Hallie, who has osteopetrosis, a rare and life-limiting genetic condition that can result in bone fractures, restricted height, frequent infections, sight loss and hearing impairment, treated Simon to an impromptu performance of “A Million Dreams” from the Greatest Showman. Simon was so impressed that he asked her to sing on the cover version of Snow Patrol’s “Run”, this year’s X Factor Celebrity charity single. Hallie was whisked up to the X Factor studios where she recorded the song and then the family, including mum Megan, dad Ian and big brother Logan attended the final on Saturday night, meeting the judges and celebrity finalists.

Our heartfelt thanks to our Patron Simon Cowell and all our friends at The X Factor for supporting the UK’s 49,000 seriously ill children and families.

Andy Fletcher, CEO for Together for Short Lives

“Families coming to terms with their child’s diagnosis often don’t know where to turn to for help and support, and many feel isolated and alone. This year alone calls to Together for Short Lives’ family helpline have risen by nearly 60 per cent – families need our help more than ever.”

“Your support, over many years, has helped us to reach out to thousands of families facing the heartbreak of knowing their child will die young – helping them through the toughest of times. Benefitting from the X Factor is a wonderful early Christmas gift, and will help Together for Short Lives be there for even more families, helping them to get the care they need, so they can make the most of every moment together. Thank you X Factor.” added Andy Fletcher.

The single will be available to stream and download and Simco Limited will donate 100% of its profits from the sale of each download and audio stream of the single which, together with the VAT, will be shared equally by Together For Short Lives (registered charity no. 1144022) and Shooting Star Children’s Hospices (registered charity no. 1042495). Simco Limited’s donation will include at least 20p for each download sold in the UK.

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