A SINGER-SONGWRITER who appeared on talent show The Voice has been championing the work of a charity close to his heart.

The Comet: Stevenage singer Nadeem Leigh (centre) with (l-r) Home-Start Stevenage parents coordinator Sue Chappell, coordinator Suzanne Paisley, administrator Gayle Cook, supporter Jeff Owen, play leader Debbie Devries, supporter Ryan Cook and manager Maggie CharlesStevenage singer Nadeem Leigh (centre) with (l-r) Home-Start Stevenage parents coordinator Sue Chappell, coordinator Suzanne Paisley, administrator Gayle Cook, supporter Jeff Owen, play leader Debbie Devries, supporter Ryan Cook and manager Maggie Charles (Image: Archant)

Stevenage resident Nadeem Leigh was invited to Home-Start Stevenage’s Picnic in the Park event on Thursday, less than a week after the 34-year-old exited the BBC One show at the battle round stage.

The former Brooms Barns, Letchmore Infants, Almond Hill and John Henry Newman pupil, who has overcome alcohol and drugs problems, wasn’t deterred by the wet weather as he performed a rendition of U2’s I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For at Bedwell Community Centre, as well as children’s favourite Wheels on the Bus.

“It’s a charity which is close to my heart as a lot of the work that they do is building confidence with struggling families which would’ve been so helpful to me,” Nadeem told the Comet.

“I got to meet families involved and it was nice to give a little bit back to the town where I grew up.”

Maggie Charles, manager at Home-Start Stevenage, which supports families experiencing difficulties, said: “He was just so natural with the families and the children. The children loved it and it was fantastic for families who have been through tough times to spend an afternoon with someone they’ve watched on TV.”