Single to boost Kirsty appeal

Kirsty had a starring role at the Commonwealth Games

Popular tenor Russell Watson is to release a single to raise cash for a hospice in Manchester.

Francis House Children's Hospice needs to raise about £5m to secure its future.

Its plight has been highlighted by six-year-old Kirsty Howard, who has appeared in national advertising campaigns.

She was also seen helping David Beckham give the Jubilee baton to the Queen at the opening of this year's Commonwealth Games in Manchester.

It's my personal dearest wish to secure Kirsty's hospice in her lifetime as a memory to her courage

Susie Mathis, campaigner

The single called A Song for Kirsty - Nothing Sacred will be released on 2 December.

A spokeswoman for Universal Classics, which is releasing the record, said Mr Watson was keen to help the hospice by singing the specially-written ballad.

"He has a daughter the same age as Kirsty," she said.

"When he met her at the Commonwealth Games, he fell in love with her and he's been working to help her out."

Francis House was opened in 1991 and offers the families of terminally ill children a respite from their role as carers.

Kirsty appeared in national newspapers

Campaign co-ordinator Susie Mathis said the appeal fund currently stands at £1,605,631.66.

"That has been raised from the general public and events we have been part of," she said.

"We have still got £3.4m to raise to save the hospice in Kirsty's name.

"We are absolutely thrilled with the amount of money raised because Kirsty's story and her genuine appeal has touched a nation - and for that we are extremely grateful.

"But the hard fact is that we are not even half way through and it is my personal dearest wish to secure Kirsty's hospice in her lifetime as a memory to her courage."