SOUL singer Beverley Knight is the latest star to throw their support behind our campaign to find Herefordshire’s care heroes.

She will be making a special appearance in a star-studded live online broadcast of the Hereford Times Health and Social Care Awards ceremony on October 22.

The chart-topper is the latest in a long list of celebrities who will be sending special messages to the finalists shortlisted for awards.

Beverley has had a string of hit singles since releasing her debut album The B-Funk in 1995 and is considered one of Britain’s greatest soul singers, heavily influenced by American soul stars like Aretha Franklin and Sam Cooke.

She is best known for her hit singles "Greatest Day", "Get Up!", "Shoulda Woulda Coulda" and "Come as You Are".

But in recent years she has also moved into musical theatre, taking over the lead role of Rachel Marron in The Bodyguard in 2013.

Before Covid hit she was due to star in the new musical The Drifters Girl at the Garrick Theatre in London's West End from January 1, 2021.

Last year she celebrated 25 years in the music business.

That includes starring in the BBC music TV series Just the Two of Us, touring the UK with a reformed Take That, and hosting four series of the BBC Radio 2 show Beverley's Gospel.

She is an ambassador for many charities such as Christian Aid, an active campaigner for anti-Aids organisations and a vocal campaigner against homophobic lyrics in urban music.

She has performed at 10 Downing Street, the Oscars party and the 2012 Paralympic Opening Ceremony

She was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 2006 in recognition of her contribution to British music.

The live broadcast is being hosted by Good Morning Britain’s Dr Hilary Jones.

Other special guests taking part are: Dr Philip Hammond, NHS doctor, journalist and comedian; Mike Bushell, BBC Sports Presenter; James Haskell, former England and Lions rugby player; Rebecca Adlington OBE, Olympic gold medal swimmer; Emile Heskey, former England soccer star; Ben Fogle, broadcaster, writer and adventurer; James Buckley, stand-up comedian, actor; Mr Motivator, TV fitness instructor; Dr Dawn Harper, doctor and television presenter; Simon Gregson Coronation Street actor; and Millie Bright, England and Chelsea footballer.

Details of how to watch the live broadcast will be released soon.

For more information go to https://www.herefordtimes.com/awards/healthandsocialcare