Singer's live performances boost funds and spirits in King's Lynn

Live music is something many people will be missing while unable to attend gigs and concerts during lockdown.

But one Lynn woman is doing what she can to keep neighbours and residents of the town entertained by performing songs to her street and via social media, while also raising money for good causes.

Kerri Rasberry has been singing to those on her street, Temple Road, as well as via her own Facebook page and the Angels of King’s Lynn page, every Saturday.

Kerri, who is a semi-professional singer in her spare time, has been furloughed from her job and wanted to find a way to help her community.

But as she is homeschooling her daughter and has a nine-month-old to look after, she said volunteering was not an option.

It was when she saw that co-ordinators of the Angels of King’s Lynn Facebook page were looking for singers that she got involved – despite it initially being “out of her comfort zone”, not having sung online before.

“I have the opportunity to bring a little cheer to the community and raise some money for charity at the same time, who wouldn’t do it,” Kerri said.

“This page is really a community page to help and support those who need it in our town.

“So I volunteered for a Saturday spot and thought it was a perfect opportunity to try and raise some money at the same time.

“So many people are raising money for the NHS which is so amazing so I took the opportunity to raise money for other charities mainly due to their donations declining so much over these tough times.”

Kerri’s first performance, streamed live on Facebook from her garden, raised £50 for Make-A-Wish.

“It was strange singing to a phone but I looked at it as a success – £50 is certainly better than nothing,” Kerri said.

“So the next week I thought right, let’s get the street involved, again completely out of my comfort zone. I’d never been so nervous.”

Despite her reservations, most of the street came out to listen, with some clapping out of their windows.

“It was really quite emotional seeing the street come together – whilst social distancing obviously,” Kerri added.

Once again, the performance was streamed live to Facebook and this time £55 was raised for Cancer Research.

“The response has been great, my husband had an email at work from one of our neighbours thanking him for a lovely evening – he didn’t even realise he lived on our street,” she said.

Kerri said she will continue every Saturday evening and raise money for a different charity until lockdown is lifted.

She is once again set to performance this evening, and will be supporting Norfolk and Waveney Mind – a cause she believes people should be mindful of at the moment.

“I know this awful time will certainly have an impact on people's mental health,” Kerri said.

To watch Kerri’s performances online and for details to support her chosen charities, visit www.facebook.com/KerriLouiseVocalist.