IN Harlow, in what can only be described as a vocal cord–defying act of love, Jim Thompson is attempting to sing karaoke for 27 consecutive hours to raise £27,000 in memory of his close friend Kyle Jaggers, who passed away from cancer last year.

From 6pm on Friday, 27th June through to 9pm on Saturday, 28th June, the bar area at The Harlow Playhouse will be transformed into a 400-song marathon of pop, rock, power ballads (and possibly a few regrettable high notes) all in aid of St Clare Hospice, where Kyle spent his final days and which he passionately pledged to support.

“I’m just trying to honour that promise,” says Jim (who modestly admits to being “a man pushing 50 that can doze off in front of the TV”). “Kyle was always the most alive person in the room. He worked hard, loved everyone, and never said no to helping someone. He was the guy who would fix a leaking tap for a 93-year-old lady at 10pm and be on a flight to Dubai the next morning to train international executives.”

The 27-hour time frame is not random. It mirrors the exact length of a brutal fundraising walk Kyle and friend Andy Welch completed from The Hare Pub in Harlow to Brighton Beach back in 2017; with Jim acting as their support driver, hydration expert, and unofficial masseuse. Now, he’s stepping into the spotlight himself, vocal cords first.

“Everyone’s reaction so far has been some version of ‘you’re going to have no voice left.’ They’re probably right. But if I hit my £27,000 target, I really don’t care.”

To prepare, he’s been training his voice like any marathon athlete: singing in the car, testing endurance sets at local venues, and even researching the best vocal snacks (spoiler: it’s greasy food and plain water). Caffeine is out (it dries the throat), so he’ll rely on moral support from his two chattiest mates, Martin Colton and Andy Morrison, to keep him awake during the wee hours.

St Clare Hospice holds a special place in this challenge. It’s not just where Kyle spent his final days, but a community haven for others too, like his friend John Utting, who now attends the hospice’s Man Shed sessions following a Parkinson’s diagnosis. “This challenge is about more than just Kyle,” he says. “It’s about supporting all the lives that St Clare’s touches.”

To reach the ambitious £27,000 goal, as well as the fundraising page for anyone to make a donation, he’s inviting local businesses to sponsor an hour of the challenge for £270. Sponsors will get their logo proudly displayed during their sponsored hour. So far, six have jumped on board, with room for more.

There’s also a raffle running throughout the 27 hours, with prizes including a professional recording studio session and tickets to Willows Activity Farm. Plus, the event will be streamed live, so supporters near and far can watch, cheer, and witness a man try to sing “Bohemian Rhapsody” at 8:52pm on Saturday 28^th, Jim’s chosen last song.

Most importantly, this isn’t a solo act. He’s inviting anyone and everyone to pop down to The Harlow Playhouse and join him on stage. “I just have to sing on every song. I don’t have to sing every word. If someone wants to grab the mic and belt one out with me, I’d love that. Kyle would’ve loved that too.”

To donate, visit: https://justgiving.com/page/27-hour-karaoke

Follow the challenge: Search Thompson Promotions on social media.

Want to sponsor an hour or donate a raffle prize? Get in touch at [email protected]