THE BIGGER PICTURE

15 March 2007

The students were given a big boost this morning, when they found out just how their hard work was helping others.

Life in the Academy is pretty tough; early mornings, gruelling schedules and live performances every night. But hearing what they've achieved for Comic Relief so far left the students overwhelmed.

"The votes are going up and up every night..." Vocal Coach David told the students. "I only have figures up until Saturday of what your money would have achieved."

As the students looked on expectantly, David continued: "I want you to know that after then you've had much more, but up until Saturday you've bought lunch and breakfast for 200,000 families in Kenya..."

"Wow!" Tara gasped, while Ray just looked astounded.

"And you've bought half a million HIV tests..." David continued. "Early diagnosis is vital to give children a fighting chance of life and you've given half a million children an HIV test."

"Also, for elderly people in the UK..." Carrie announced, "They have a lunch club that they can all go to, to not be lonely and 6,600 elderly people got a hot meal at their lunch club, and since then the figures have gone up and up."

As the students smiled with pride, David said: "You're doing a tremendous amount of good. More than you will ever know. Every note you sing, gives someone life."