KUCHING: What began as a 12-year-old Kuching girl’s hope of making it to London for a Britain’s Got Talent (BGT) audition has become a journey carried by an entire community.
Just one week after Taylor Louise reached out for support to fund the trip, the young Sarawakian singer announced that her fundraising target had been met in full, allowing her to make the journey to London for a preliminary audition with BGT producers on Sept 5.
Her air tickets, accommodation and travel insurance have now been secured, with Taylor turning her focus towards intensive vocal training with her coach, Sabrina Tnay.
For Taylor, however, reaching the fundraising target meant more than simply being able to afford the trip.
“This past one week has taught me something I will never forget — I am not walking this journey alone,” she shared in a post on her Facebook page.
The support came from individuals, businesses, organisations and others who contributed financially, shared her story, offered words of encouragement and helped spread the word about her fundraising effort.
Taylor said she was especially grateful that the community chose to support her despite knowing from the outset that the upcoming audition is only a preliminary round with the programme’s producers.
There is no guarantee that she will advance to the Judges’ Auditions or eventually appear on the BGT main stage.
“I cannot promise how far I will go, but I promise I will work hard and give it everything I have. If I don’t make it to the next round, I hope I won’t disappoint all of you who believed in me.
“I will still be incredibly grateful that you gave this 12-year-old girl from Kuching, Sarawak, the chance to stand there, sing her heart out and try,” she said.
Among those she thanked for helping make the journey possible were Le Musica, Esther Hu, Dunstan Too, Mariana Chin, Cindy Kueh, Dallen C, Kaki Lima Kopi, Ms Missy, Kimmy Chang, The Little Nest, Talitha Chi, Georgina Ngu, Loh Wei Jin, Philomina Bell, Francis Hou and Lee Tze Yang of T.Y. Consulting and Training.
She also expressed her appreciation to members of the media and everyone who contributed, shared her fundraising appeal, prayed for her or sent messages of encouragement.
“Thank you for believing in 12-year-old me, supporting this little dream of mine, and helping make this journey to London possible. Most of all, thank you for giving me the chance to try — even though both you and I don’t know if I’ll make it to the next round.
“Just having the opportunity to step forward and give my very best means more to me than I can put into words,” she said.
With the financial hurdle now behind her, Taylor said the hard work begins as she prepares vocally for the Sept 5 audition.
Whatever the outcome in London, she said she intends to make the opportunity given to her by the community count.
“Whatever happens, I will do my very best and make every bit of your support count. It may be my dream but it is our journey from Sarawak to London together,” she said.
