Local singer records viral Christmas video

Dressed in festive jumpers and Santa hats, some of our favourite celebrities - including Eamonn Holmes, Paul Rankin, Dame Mary Peters, Pamela Ballantine and Paddy Barnes, among other well-known faces from TV and radio, showed their humorous side by miming along to singer Jason’s variation of Slade’s Merry Christmas Everybody and joining in on some Christmas craic, all to raise awareness for the worthy cause and get people to dig deep this Christmas and donate.

Jason recorded the alternative version to the song and decided to organise the video after receiving thousands of online hits last year for his version of Shakin’ Stevens’ Merry Christmas Everyone which he filmed outside Belfast City Hall at midnight just four days before Christmas. This year, the video appeals to viewers to donate to CLIC Sargent’s Homes from Home appeal via Just Giving or text message and also to share the link on social media using the hashtag #CLICForChristmas.

Corporate Fundraising Manager for CLIC Sargent NI, Eimear McCooey said CLIC Sargent is overwhelmed by the support from our Northern Irish celebrities: “We’re absolutely beyond thrilled to have such great support from Jason and our local celebrities to help raise awareness of this important campaign.

“Every week in Northern Ireland, two families hear the devastating news that their child has cancer. On average, a family will make a round-trip of 95 miles, up to five times a week so that they can access the cancer treatment their child needs.

“The Homes from Home Appeal will provide free accommodation for families within walking distance of the two main hospitals, reducing the emotional and financial strain for families and, most importantly, providing a homely environment just a few minutes’ walk from the hospital ward, keeping the whole family together.”

Singer Jason said he had intended on doing another Christmas song this year but this time if he was going to get views, he wanted to get a message across at the same time for a cause close to his heart: “I wasn’t expecting last year’s video to get as much attention as it did, lots of people asked me what I was going to do this year so I thought it would be a great opportunity to support and raise awareness for the Homes from Home appeal, which is such a fantastic cause and one I’m really passionate about.”

Watch the video online at www.youtube.com/jasonclarkemusic to donate to CLIC Sargent’s Homes from Home appeal visit www.justgiving.com/clicforchristmas or text SONG70 (followed by amount) e.g. £2 to 70070.