A seven-year-old hospice patient with an inoperable brain tumour has reached the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent.
Dottie Rees, who was diagnosed in September 2020, got the Golden Buzzer as part of 'Ravi's Dream Team' choir, after delivering a captivating performance of A Million Dreams.
Dottie's journey has been a challenging one.
Her nearly two-year treatment has consisted of more than 60 sessions of chemotherapy, regular MRIs, tests for vision and hearing, and now, continuous emotional support from Little Havens in Benfleet — Essex's only children's hospice.
They provide Dottie, who is from Grays, with weekly counselling sessions at school, aiding her emotional wellbeing.
Louise Paterson-Rees, Dottie's mother, said: "Dottie speaks so highly of Kat (her Little Havens counsellor).
"The sessions are the highlight of Dottie’s school week.
"As well as being a chance to talk about everything she’s gone through, Kat involves arts and crafts too, so Dottie comes home with lots of lovely things she’s created."
Participation in Britain's Got Talent came through Dottie's membership in 'Ravi’s Dream Team' — a choir formed of individuals sharing the experience of brain tumours.
Louise said: "It was a huge shock when Dottie was diagnosed, so we were trying to connect with other parents in our position.
"We met Ravi, who also has a brain tumour, and his family through Instagram.
"Last year, Dottie participated in a fashion show spreading awareness of brain tumours, and the three of us were then invited to be part of the choir.
"Singing in the choir is like a therapy session on its own.
"It's given me, Dottie and her grandma a lot of happy times, while also raising awareness of brain tumours."
Dottie, her mum Louise, and grandma Denise are all part of Ravi’s Dream Team.
Upon getting the golden buzzer from judge Alesha Dixon, they are looking forward to the semi-finals this month.
Louise added: "We never thought we would get the Golden Buzzer.
"We feel overwhelmed that we're making a difference to the brain tumour community."
The public can support Dottie and Ravi’s Dream Team by voting for them later this month.
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