"They gave me a reason to keep going" - Teenage singer-songwriter to perform live with Sam Ryder on BBC Children in Need 2025 after help from Havant charity Music Fusion
A Hampshire teenager is set to perform live on TV in front of millions as part of the BBC Children in Need Appeal Show.
Kat Meredith, a singer-songwriter who was born with cerebral palsy and is proudly neurodivergent (autism and ADHD), will be taking to the stage alongside Sam Ryder after receiving support from Havant charity Music Fusion.
The 18-year-old from Petersfield credits the charity, which specialises in working with young people experiencing challenging life circumstances, with helping them heal and grow in self-confidence after suffering from bullying and mental health battles. Their time with the charity saw them encouraged to express themselves through music.
Kat said: “Music Fusion found me when I hit rock bottom, they gave me a reason to keep going and showed me that I could create amazing songs using everything I've been through. Music Fusion received funding from BBC Children in Need, and that's why I am fundraising as part of the Challenge Squad this year.
“I want to give back to those who helped me, and singing with Sam Ryder on Appeal Night will be incredible!”
Kat will be appearing on The One Show this evening (Tuesday, November 4) at 7pm as they are a member of the show’s four-strong Challenge Squad. On the program Kat will be preparing for the challenge as well as giving a speech at Shakespeare’s Globe theatre.
Then next Friday (November 14) will see them perform in front of a live studio audience as well as millions of viewers.
Helping Kat through the process as a mentor has been The One Show’s Roman Kemp. Roman said: "Being part of the Challenge Squad again this year is a real honour. These young people are stepping up in such a powerful way - not just to raise money, but to raise awareness of the support that BBC Children in Need provides.
“Their goals are ambitious, and I know they’ll inspire so many others to get involved."
Music Fusion is based in The Spring Arts & Heritage Centre in Havant and specialises in working with young people experiencing challenging life circumstances. Further information can be found on https://www.musicfusion.org.uk/.
To donate to BBC Children in Need visit: www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey