NOW this is a visit to sing about.... 

Collabro star Matthew Pagan delighted staff, volunteers and patients when he popped into one of Cumbria’s best-loved charities, the Eden Valley Hospice in Carlisle. 

The visit came ahead of a special concert which Matthew will perform later this year to raise funds for the charity. 

He has strong connections to the hospice – his grandfather Alex Pagan was cared for there as he approached the end of his life in 2013. 

Matthew, 22, from the St Ann’s area of Carlisle, said: “This is just an amazing place that doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. They looked after my grandad in 2013.” 

The concert will take place at The Sands Centre and will see Matthew return to his roots in swing music in contrast to Collabro’s focus on musical theatre. 

Each of the members of the band, who shot to fame on TV talent show Britain’s Got Talent, is currently organising a solo charity event before they regroup for tours next year. 

“This is quite a sad place but at the same time it is a happy place,” said Matthew. 

“The staff are caring and it is always nice to come back.” 

He added: “It is a shame the Government don’t fund this because everyone knows how much we need it.” 

The Sands’ Jonathan Higgins, who is producing and directing the show, said he and Matthew had a connection to the hospice as his mum Pat had been cared for there at the end of her life in 1995. It motivated them to put on the show. 

Matthew was given a tour of the hospice and was also taken to the Rainbow children’s hospice section, where he met several patients. 

He enjoyed playing with 18-month-old Jenna Smith, from William Street, Penrith, who was enjoying her first visit. 

She has suffered from cancer and her mum, Lisa, explained that the hospice would provide her with respite. 

“I think what he (Matthew) is doing is really great and I think Jenna is enjoying herself,” she said. 

Matthew also met several volunteers and staff at the hospice. Carol Sherman, a healthcare assistant from Durdar Road, Blackwell, Carlisle, said: “It was wonderful meeting him, he supports everyone with what we are doing.” 

Jean Pharaoh, a volunteer from Upperby, has been a fan of Matthew since he performed at concerts for pensioners before finding global fame. She has a scrapbook devoted to him.

She said: “It is amazing to see how well he has done.” 

Anne Little, a volunteer from Currock, Carlisle, commented: “He is a wonderful person, he really is.” 

The concert – entitled ‘Where It Began’ – commences at 7.30pm on Friday, December 4, and will also feature acts ranging from Wigton’s Emma Jones, who reached the televised finals of Britain’s Got Talent this year to a choir from Stanwix Primary School in Carlisle. 

For full information call the box office on 01228 622766.