EditorSwansea boy to shine on BBC Children in Need stage
From silence to song
Dewi was born profoundly deaf and received a cochlear implant when he was just two years old. At first, the world of sound was overwhelming — everyday noises left him exhausted and anxious. But with years of support from his mum and the Swansea‑based project Talking Hands Children and Deaf People, Dewi has gradually found his voice.
Now, eight years on, he’s not only speaking with confidence but also signing with pride. Dewi will join 15 other children and young people from across the UK to perform Coldplay’s Yellow — Pudsey’s favourite colour — during Friday night’s Children in Need Appeal show.
Finding community through Talking Hands
Talking Hands, funded by BBC Children in Need, has been a lifeline for Dewi and his family. The project runs weekly sessions, trips and activities for deaf children and young people, teaching British Sign Language (BSL) and building a supportive community.
Dewi’s mum says they don’t know what they would have done without the group. For Dewi, it’s been a place to learn, laugh and grow. “I’ve been going to Talking Hands since I was little and love doing all the activities,” he said. “They’ve helped me and my family to learn BSL. I am so excited to be in the BBC Children in Need Choir this year, as a BSL signer.”
A moment of pride
Renowned vocal coach Mark De Lisser, who has led the Children in Need Choir since 2019, described working with Dewi and the other young performers as “inspirational.” He said: “They’ve all been amazing every step of the way, and I can’t wait for audiences to see their performance and all the effort they’ve put in.”
Tommy Nagra, Director of Content at BBC Children in Need, added: “It’s incredibly powerful to bring together children from across the UK, all connected through projects BBC Children in Need has supported. The result promises to be something truly memorable.”
Supporting children across Wales
BBC Children in Need currently funds 109 projects across Wales, worth more than £4.6 million. These projects provide vital services for children and young people facing challenges ranging from disability and illness to poverty and isolation.
But demand is high — only one in six eligible projects can currently be funded. Organisers are urging people to donate, take on challenges or host fundraising events to help ensure more children like Dewi get the support they need.
How to watch
The BBC Children in Need Appeal Night will be broadcast live from Salford on Friday 14 November from 7pm on BBC One. Alongside Dewi’s choir performance, the show will feature sketches, special collaborations with Strictly Come Dancing and Gladiators, and a performance from Lewis Capaldi.
#BBC #BritishSignLanguage #BSL #Charity #ChildrenInNeed #choir #deaf #deafChildren #DeafChoir #fundraising #Swansea #TalkingHands #TalkingHandsChildrenAndDeafPeople #tv
Sophie 🏳️⚧️ 🌜
Ludovica Vain
Haarlem updates
Sijie Liang
Sijie Liang
Sijie Liang