AN INSPIRATIONAL fundraiser who has sung with the stars and in front of royalty has released her first ever track.

Twenty-year-old Bethany Hare, from Horsforth, began raising money to help terminally ill children when she was just 11 years old. She started her fund-raising and made a name for herself across the globe when she posted a video of herself dressed as Charlie Chaplin and singing Smile.

Since then she has performed with the stars at a number of charity galas and has sung in front of Prince William and Prince Harry at an event to commemorate their mother.

Now she is launching her own recording career after being talent spotted at an event organised by actress Eva Longoria.

Bethany, who now uses the stage name Bethannie, worked with experienced song writers and producers Steve Edwards and Robin Taylor-Firth to produce an EP. Her first track ,The Idea of Love, will be available to hear on Spotify, Apple Music and all other major online platforms from January 31.

Steve Edwards, whose achievements include a World Music Award for biggest selling dance single for ‘World Hold On’, said: “I feel the songs reflect Bethannie’s heart and soul perfectly. From classic soul to pop, it’s all about great song writing and production, along with an amazing performance from Bethannie to tell the stories”.

Robin Taylor-Firth, who has had a number of top twenty UK hits over the years, also holds an Ivor Novello award for writing and producing.

He said: “When I first met Bethannie, the first thing I noticed was the light she carries with her. That, coupled with her obvious and prodigious vocal talents, made it a very easy choice and it has been, and continues to be, a privilege to work with her”.

Steve and Robin said: “With these new songs, written just for Bethannie, we hope to try and help her reach her potential, which is huge. And for people to get to know this star in the making”.

The former Horsforth School pupil began fund-raising for Martin House Hospice and set up her own charity, Bethany’s Smile, to help sick children.

She has been performing free of charge at charity events all over the country for the past eight years and has received numerous awards.

She was just 16 when she was on the bill alongside Ronan Keating and Anastacia, at the Global Gift Gala. The event, organised by actress Eva Longoria, raised money for the Diana Awards’ Anti-Bullying and Mentoring Programmes.

Bethany, who has raised well over £100,000 for terminally-ill children, performed in front of an audience that included Victoria and David Beckham, and Simon Cowell.

In 2017 she was invited by Prince William and Prince Harry to sing at an event to mark twenty years since the death of Princess Diana.

The Idea of Love will be available on Spotify at https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/bethannie/the-idea-of-love.