Keeping Paula's Memory Alive Through Music
On Saturday 10 October 2026, local singers came together at Mercury Mall in Romford for the third annual Sing for Saint Francis Hospice, raising more than £1,400 in memory of our dear friend, Paula Allibon.
Paula was a familiar face at our Monday night open mic sessions at The Essex Arms in Brentwood. She loved live music and was one of the most supportive people you could meet, always encouraging performers and cheering people on.
When Saint Francis Hospice cared for Paula, many of us saw first-hand the difference the hospice made to her and her family. After she died, we wanted to do something meaningful to honour her memory while supporting the hospice that had cared for her so well. That's how Sing for Saint Francis Hospice began.
This year's event brought together an incredible line-up of performers including Miles Mussi, Skip Atkins, Scott Wood, Callum Wood, Daisy Stevens, Claudia Mack, Mariam, Simon Willis, Grace Brazier, Joshua Lord, Robbie Bunsell, Diego Andrade, Jackism, Jimmy Winch and Gracie Mae. Each performer generously gave their time and talent to make the day such a success.
One of the highlights of the day was seeing hospice supporter Skip donning the Frankie the Lion mascot costume, helping to raise awareness of Saint Francis Hospice and bringing plenty of smiles to visitors throughout the day.
What makes this event so special is that it's about much more than fundraising. It's about friendship, community and remembering someone who meant so much to so many people. Every year, local musicians, families and supporters come together through a shared love of music, celebrating Paula's life while supporting an incredible local charity.
Now in its third year, the event has raised more than £4,100 for Saint Francis Hospice, with the final 2026 total still to be confirmed. That is something everyone involved should be incredibly proud of.
I'd like to say a huge thank you to all the performers, everyone who donated, Natalie Bays and the team at Mercury Mall, Andy Furneaux and the team at Saint Francis Hospice, Debs and Pearl on the donation table, Richard Barker for his fantastic photography throughout the day, and everyone who helped behind the scenes. Without their support, none of this would be possible.
The continued success of Sing for Saint Francis Hospice shows the strength of our local music community and the lasting impact Paula had on those around her. For us, it's a chance to keep her memory alive, give something back and support a hospice that continues to care for local families when they need it most.
Skip added, "It was a fantastic event with some amazing singers, all from Kev's heaPhoenix 98fm Open Mic. The same singers regularly feature on Kev's Sunday Sessions radio show on Phoenix 98fm, so the entertainment was top notch. It was a privilege to be part of such a great show.
“It was even more fun when Frankie the Lion arrived. He always attracts a crowd wherever he goes at Saint Francis Hospice events. And I can tell you from experience, while it's great fun being Frankie, it does get very hot inside that costume!"
Photo: Richard Barker
