DISABLED performers are hoping to reach the bright lights of Broadway in memory of Sir David Amess who supported their music group.

Southend’s Music Man Project, made up of singers, dancers and musicians, is reaching for the stars after the MP told them they could delight audiences on the top stages.

Sir David, who was killed on Friday as he held a constituency surgery in Leigh, was a big supporter of the organisation.

David Stanley, group founder, says he now wants to perform on Broadway in Sir David’s honour.

He said: “We are all absolutely devastated and I knew him for 25 years and he was a dear friend.

“He was a close supporter of the group and he opened many, many doors for us and I don’t think we would be half the organisation we are if it wasn’t for him.

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“He was pivotal to our performance at the London Palladium in 2017 as well as opening other opportunities and raising our profile.

“He talked about us in Parliament a number of times too and he said we were one of the reasons why Southend should become a city.

“He didn’t miss a concert and was always there to celebrate with us which gave us great confidence.”

In April 2019, The Music Man Project presented its debut concert at the Royal Albert Hall and a charity single from the Music Man Project’s first album ‘Music is Magic’ topped the Amazon Broadway chart.

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Mr Stanley added: “He was passionate about celebrating vulnerable people and showcasing their talents.

“The performers adored him and he boosted their confidence and excitement so much.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to Sir David and he championed us and disabled people and what they could achieve.

“We are aiming for more London performances and even Broadway in his honour as he used to say we could do it.”

He said Sir David knew how to raise the spirits of the performers and he would speak to them and support their families too.