You’re invited to join Chi Onwurah, the Labour MP for Newcastle upon Tyne Central, and Dr Wendy Taylor, Health spokesperson representing Dr Nick Cott, leader of the Newcastle Liberal Democrats, at the launch of a new charity campaign with children’s organisation Safe Haven – A Ray of Hope, which is fundraising to build a new fashion design and creative centre in Ashington for underprivileged children and children living with disabilities.

Venue: Tyne Theatre and Opera House

Address: 117 Westgate Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4AG

Date: Thursday, 19 August 2021

Time: 16:00-17:00pm

Dr Wendy Taylor, speaking in person at the event alongside Safe Haven – A Ray of Hope founder Blessing Olalemi, will present the charity’s ambition to establish the provision of child and family focused centre tackling social and economic disadvantage and childhood disabilities.

Dr Wendy Taylor and Chi Onwurah, appearing via video link, will introduce a new music video for Safe Haven – A Ray of Hope’s charity single She’s One in a Million, with all proceeds from the single being donated to building the fashion design and creative centre

She’s One in a Million is a collaboration by popular African afrobeat musician Flavour N’abania and UK singer Anna Reay. It honours the memory of eight-year-old Valerie Olalemi, who lost her life to a rare blood disorder, the hereditary immunodeficiency chronic granulomatous disorder, in April 2020.

Valerie’s mother, Blessing Olalemi, is now supporting her younger child, Praise, 4, through the same illness, and founded Safe Haven – A Ray of Hope to support other underprivileged children and children living with disabilities.

She’s One in a Million also pays homage to the estimated 93 million-150 million children globally currently living with disability, the 1 billion under privileged children who are multi dimensionally poor, and those suffering from a rare disease.

Chi Onwurah and Blessing Olalemi are actively campaigning to attract more stem cell donors from BAME backgrounds, with a blood stem cell transplant offering the best chance of survival from chronic granulomatous disorder. Currently, people with BAME backgrounds only have a 20% chance of finding a matching blood stem cell donor. Meanwhile, whilst people from northern European backgrounds have a 69% chance.

Blessing Olalemi, founder of Safe Haven – A Ray of Hope, said: “It was Valerie’s dream to grow up and become the greatest fashion designer in the world. Tragically, Valerie didn’t get the chance to realise this dream, but we want to help other children and their families to get the support they desperately need. The centre will provide creative activities reflecting Valerie’s aspirations alongside support and advice.”

You can stream and download She’s One in a Million here.