By Leicester Mercury | Posted 9 April, 2012
Mikala Smith has performed at the Leicester's Got Talent show in aid of the LOROS hospice twice before. But this year's event will have a special meaning for the 33-year-old singer.
Her grandmother, Merlyn Brookin, spent her final days at the Groby Road hospice after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
She died at the hospice on December 23, aged 72.
Mikala, of Countesthorpe, said staff and volunteers there could not have done any more to support Merlyn and her family.
"They were really, really good to her and made her so comfortable," she said.
"She was there for three weeks, then she came home for a week and then went back in for a few days.
"Everyone there was just so friendly. They just couldn't have done any more."
Mikala auditioned for the first Leicester's Got Talent event in 2009, but was deemed so good she was asked to open the show, rather than compete.
She also performed in 2010 and has now been asked again this year.
Mikala said this year's show would be an emotional one now she has experienced the hospice first-hand.
"I didn't have any knowledge of LOROS, really, until my nana, went in," she said. "It has a lot more meaning for me now and I'd like to make a donation now, to say thank you for looking after her.
"It really will mean a great deal and I'm really looking forward to it."
This year's Leicester's Got Talent, which will be held at the Platinum Suite, in Cobden Street, St Matthew's, Leicester, for the third time, takes place on Saturday, April 28.
The last event, in 2010, had 40 participants and saw about 1,000 people turn out for the live final.
LOROS fundraising spokesman Alexandra Gamble said: "This should be a great event for the local community to support, especially as Britain's Got Talent is on TV at the moment.
"We appreciate the community putting on an event for LOROS as funds are always crucial."
Entry tickets for the final cost £5, with all proceeds going to LOROS. The charity needs to raise more than £4 million each year just to keep its doors open.
A rehearsal and audition is planned at the Platinum Suite on Sunday.
To enter or buy tickets, call 07720 549139, or e-mail:leicestersgottalent@yahoo.co.uk
