Hospice children thrilled to meet Belinda and Uri – North Devon Journal – Oct 12, 2000

Hospice Children thrilled to meet Belinda and Uri

North Devon Journal

October 12, 2000

By Brian Price

Pop start Belinda Carlisle and psychic Uri Geller were among the guests at a martial arts extravaganza held at the Queens Theatre, Barnstaple.

The duo had earlier thrilled kids at the Children’s Hospice South West, at Fremington, when they visited the hospice before travelling on to the Queen’s by stretch limousine.

The event, organised by the Matt Fiddes Black Belt Academy, drew huge crowds who waited outside the theatre to catch a glimpse of the American singer who had solo hitds with Heaven is a place on earth and Circle in the sand after she split from the all-girl group the Go-gos.

Although she did not perform at the extravaganza – an annual event held to honour students of the academy – the singer said she was delighted to have been asked to attend.

She said : “I’ve been through the area many times in the past 23 years of touring, since I was about 17. I’ve been to the UK many times, but I’ve never actually been to Barnstaple.

“I think that the kids at the hospice were very excited too. They were really funny and appreciative towards us. It was an honour and a good experience.”

Mr. Geller, who recently released a fitness video with Matt Fiddes said : “I met Belinda about two years ago. We became friends and it’s just fantastic for her to come to Barnstaple. I don’t know how many world-famous celebrities come to Barnstaple. It’s great for her to be here.

“To see hundreds of people outside waiting to see us arrie was very moving. I’ve performed in front of thousands of people and Belinda played a concert or 250,000 people in Brazil, but you never get used to it. It’s very flattering and moving, especially in this part of the world.”

Mr Fiddes said : “Belinda and Uri are here for a good cause. We went to visit the Children’s Hospice and they put smiles on the faces of the children. I’m very glad Belinda came here and it’s obviously very good for Barnstaple.”