'Making someone's day by singing makes me happy'
'Making someone's day by singing makes me happy'
Abi Jaiyeola - YorkshireThu, November 12, 2026 at 6:19 AM UTC
0
Keira, who has been blind since birth, is a self-taught pianist
A 17-year-old singer and self-taught pianist, who has been blind since birth, says it is "surreal" to be performing with the BBC Children in Need Choir during Friday night's TV fundraiser.
Keira, from Thorne near Doncaster, has optic nerve hypoplasia, in which the optic nerve is underdeveloped.
She says: "There are not enough nerves connecting my brain to my eyes so I can see slight light perception in my left eye and I can see light and shadows in my right eye.
"I can't imagine my life any other way if I could see or if I had less sight or more sight because I just cope with it."
Keira will take to the stage in Salford during the show, and proud mum Emma says: "She's amazing, she's never let anything stop her.
"If she can't do something she's just always found a way... she's just inspiring."
Keira with guide dog Pollie
Three months ago, Keira welcomed guide dog Pollie into her life.
Pollie now goes everywhere with her - whether meeting friends or attending sixth-form college where Keira is studying English, food tech and music.
She was nominated for a place in the Children in Need Choir by Jonathan Sheils from the Charity Blind in Business, which helps people who are blind or partially sighted get into the world of work, and has given Keira work experience.
Advertisement
Sheils describes Keira as "incredible" and says he hopes joining the choir will "give her the confidence, the understanding that she can achieve anything and everything".
Keira with mum Emma and younger sister Aaliyah
Keira has spent weeks learning the song that will be performed at the event.
She typed the lyrics out in Braille and has practised to a backing track.
Her sister Aaliyah, 14, says: "I know how happy she is and I'm really proud - I'm always hearing her singing even with her door shut.
"Even in the morning when I get woken up by it I'm still happy."
Keira says she is "very excited" and can't wait to be on stage, with her family and Pollie looking on.
She says: "I don't just sing because I love it, I sing to make other people happy.
"If I can make someone else's day with my singing then that makes me happy."
Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North
Related internet links
-
Blind in Business
BBC Children in Need
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
