RuPaul drag race star and X-Factor winner sing a cappella in aid of Care Workers Charity

X-factor winner Sam Bailey and RuPaul drag race star Divina de Campo are fronting an a cappella army to raise vital funds for the Care Workers Charity.

The AcaArmy Lockdown Megamix features well-known tracks such as ‘Staying Alive’, ‘Fever’, ‘Lonely’ and ‘Toxic’ sung by celebrities and West End stars.

The mix includes Amanda Cole, from 1990s R&B band En Vogue whose hits include My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It) and West End stars Rodney Vubya from The Book of Mormon and Amy di Bartolomeo from We Will Rock You. They are joined by Jamie Lambert from Collabro and a number of other familiar faces from the West End.

All proceeds will provide grants to care and support workers who require urgent financial support as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Kev Orkian, chief executive of Howlin Entertainment, who worked on the project with Nic Chiappetta, Lara de Belder and George Strickland (AcaArmy), said: “The main aim of this fab project is to raise money for the nation's incredible care workers who are at the front line of the fight against coronavirus.

“Throughout history, in times of trouble, people have always turned to the arts to help them escape, laugh or to simply put a smile on their face. This is the reason Nic, Lara, George and I have called on our friends, colleagues and fellow performers to come together for CWC and help make this a reality.”

He added: “Inspired by the Sparkle for Social Care campaign which was set up by a group of care sector professionals, I felt passionate to support and to sparkle for the Care Workers’ Charity and together I feel we have done just that!”

Established in 2009, the Care Workers Charity exists to support care workers, give them a voice and advocate for the social care workforce.

The charity reacted to the coronavirus pandemic by the introduction of a COVID-19 Emergency Fund and has been awarding grants of £500 to care workers who have been self-isolating or shielding for at least two weeks and are surviving on a reduced income or statutory sick pay. It is also offering £2000 to help cover funeral costs for care workers or their immediate family if they pass away during this crisis.

Karolina Gerlich, executive director of the Care Workers’ Charity said: “We’re so pleased people are coming together to sing for our care workers, it will make us smile, entertain us, and raise those all-important valuable funds. Our target of raising two million pounds will enable us to continue to issue grants to care workers facing hardship due to self-isolating, shielding or with the virus themselves.”

To support the AcaArmy and donate to their fundraising page visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/acaarmymegamix