Mr Yipadee leads the way to help Syrian refugees

This week, I was ready to share with you my rant of the week (I mean, seriously, how can crisp bags get any smaller?) when a favour was asked of me that exposed the deep running of my everyday shallows. In other words I was shallow-shamed.

By a chap who dresses exclusively in primary colours and leaps up and down singing about lollipops and sunshine. He goes by the name of Mr Yipadeee.

Not having any children under the age of six (though my four nieces and nephews all fit into this category) I am perhaps not as familiar with the world of children’s television and entertainment as I might be. I know Mr Yipadee better as Dean O’Brien, former local radio producer/presenter.

He is a dad of two who watched on TV the horrific scenes of fleeing Syrian child refugees - and then woke in the night and decided to do something about it.

In just two weeks he persuaded many stars of children’s TV programmes to warm up their vocals and sing on his Sing-along for Syria album - plus Coronation Street star and mum-of-two Tina O’Brien.

Nobody has taken a penny for the album and when I was approached to help them publicise I was happy to volunteer my services.

Luckily (for everyone) my help was not required in the singing department though I am perfectly able to make a fair rendition of ‘wheels on the bus’ after half a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc.

Seriously though, Dean’s achievement is not to be underestimated and with a little help from his friends he now has the Sing-along for Syria album live to purchase on iTunes and a dedicated website.

I know a lot is asked of us these days but if you can find £6.99 to buy the excellent album - every penny will go direct to Save the Children’s child refugee work. Look up singalongforsyria.com to learn more.