Tears but Ravi’s still a winner

A MAN from Bix has told of his disappointment and pride after just missing out on a spot the final of TV’s Britain’s Got Talent.

Alfie Hay was part of a choir formed by his grandson, eight-year-old Ravi Adelekan, who was diagnosed with a brain stem tumour two years ago, to raise money for the Brain Tumour Charity and Brainstrust.

The singers included about 50 friends, family, teachers and medical professionals, called Ravi’s Dream Team, who appeared on a live semi-final of the show on Tuesday to sing Take That’s Greatest Day.

They were competing against seven other acts who had to perform for celebrity judges Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden and Bruno Tonioli.

Only two acts could go through to Sunday’s live final but the judges were split on the choir and Haribow, a Japanese double-rope skipping group, so the decision went to a public vote and the former missed out.

Ravi’s little sister, Maya, five, was seen covering her ears and sobbing as the result was announced before being picked up by her father Olugbenga and carried off the stage.

Ravi, from Brighton, said: “We’ve done what we came here to, which is to raise awareness and make the brain tumour community proud of us.”

Mr Hay, 78, a composer who co-founded the Henley Youth Festival, said: “It was quite incredible. Looking out to the audience to the people standing up cheering with their torch lights and waving was so humbling. It was a great reception and one we weren’t expecting.

“We didn’t expect to win and we did very well. Ravi summed it up quite humbly. We set out with a mission to highlight the brain tumour charities and we did that.

“It was the joy of singing together which made it so special. I can’t describe it. I have been on stages with large crowds but this was a completely different experience.”

He said that after the choir’s performance his daughter Bethan, who is Ravi’s mother, was tired and emotional.

“She held my hand and was just physically shattered,” he said. “She’s had so much to do but I am sure she’s proud of us and her family and particularly Ravi.

“She talked to Ravi about failure and not getting through and Ravi talked about what he might feel like but never talked about what he might say, so what he said after finding out the result was genuinely from him, so I think she’s proud of him.”

Ravi, who stood centre stage centre next to Maya, started the song on his own before the choir joined in. As they sang, the participants swayed from side to side and the audience clapped along. Towards the end, Maya gave a solo performance before turning to her brother with her hand held out and then turning back to the audience.

During the finale, the choir jubilantly threw their fists into the air as confetti shimmered down on to the stage.

Ravi sang the final solo before all four judges and the audience stood to applaud.

Dixon said: “I don’t even know where to start. I mean, the song choice was sensational, one of the best songs that makes everybody feel so good. And I just want to say I’m so proud of you, Ravi. I’m so proud of all of you [and] this wonderful support system you have around you.

“I felt the love and the power and the power of one person who is so determined with such a beautiful attitude to life.

“Thank you so much. Thank you. You’re superstars.”

Mr Hay, a former headteacher of Trinity Primary School in Henley, added: “The reason little Maya was crying was not because of us losing but because her ears were hurting from the noise. She started whimpering when we came on because the noise was incredible.

“Ravi has been wonderful looking after his little sister.”

Ravi was diagnosed in 2021 after his parents noticed his face was starting to tilt and his hearing had worsened. He underwent a nine-hour operation to remove the tumour. He made a quick recovery but still has medical complications.

If Ravi’s Dream Team had won the show, they were to donate the £250,000 prize to the charities for which they have already raised £105,000.

Mr Hay added: “Overnight a further £7,000 was added to the fund. This little boy, of whom we are proudest grandparents, is showing that anything is possible.”

To make a donation, visit
www.ravisdream.com

• The live final of Britain’s Got Talent will be shown on ITV1 on Sunday from 7.30pm. Eleven acts will compete to win a £250,000 prize and a slot at the Royal Variety Performance.