Charity single released to beat bullies at school

Ella Collins-Godden, 14, of Williams Road, is raising money for BulliesOut and Follow Your Dreams with her single, Believe in Me, available from tomorrow.

The Shoreham Academy year-nine student wanted to release the single after dealing with two years of bullying at school.

She decided to not let the bullies win and started taking part in beauty pageants and singing publicly.

Ella said: “I have always loved singing but never had the opportunity to showcase my talent until I started taking part in pageants.

“I started to receive excellent feedback from the judges and pageant directors, and was invited to audition for a record label in London.

“I was advised to work hard and let the passion show through my songs. So, I pulled on my experiences and started to ‘feel’ the lyrics.”

Following her efforts for the two charities through pageants, raising more £2,000, Ella was made an ambassador for both.

“With the ambassadorship comes responsibility, not just fundraising but raising awareness,” Ella explained.

“I hope releasing this charity single will do just that.”

Ella’s mum, Sara Collins, said the family had worked closely with Shoreham Academy to deal with the bullying and the school had given lots of support and guidance.

She has since gone on to take part in a large amount of charity work and has won several awards for her efforts, including an Adur Council special achievement award, presented in March last year.

The single is available via iTunes, or email Ella’s mum, Sara Collins, at [email protected] to order a copy.