AN ACCLAIMED music studio is providing young carers and disadvantaged children with free lessons to provide an escape from the challenges of everyday life.

Wrexham Sounds has received positive feedback from schools, community groups and health and wellbeing organisations in response to its singing and instrumental workshops.

Among those to benefit is 12 year-old Maisie Carman, a pupil at Ysgol Dinas Bran, Llangollen, who was referred by WCD Young Carers.

Read more: 'Bigger and better than ever' - around 15,000 attend Focus Wales 2022

Maisie, from Cefn Mawr, helps mum Lisa and stepdad Dean look after seven year-old brother Leo, who has now completed treatment for chemotherapy.

Leo is now making a full recovery while he awaits further tests for autism and anxiety issues.

Maisie is loving weekly singing lessons with renowned vocal and wellbeing coach Clementine Gong and says being part of Wrexham Sounds helped rebuild her confidence after she “lost her sparkle” during lockdown.

“I absolutely love every second of it, I couldn’t wait to get started and feel so happy when I’m there,” said Maisie.

“I had not had singing lessons before but really enjoy them and Clemmy is amazing! We practice warming up and she has recommended some great songs which are so much fun to sing.

The Leader:

PIC: Maisie, mum Lisa and music teacher Clementine Gong.

“I will one hundred million per cent keep singing and in future would love to work as a carer helping other people when they need it most.

“I would definitely encourage other young people to visit Wrexham Sounds, it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done.”

Mum Lisa was so inspired by WCD Young Carers she joined them as an outreach worker.

“Maisie is an incredible little girl, she is so kind and I don’t know what I would do without her,” said Lisa.

“I’m so proud of her and the way she handles everything and supports her brother, even attending hospital visits and being there for him when he struggles with anxiety.

“The way she has thrown herself into the singing lessons and given it everything she’s got is a reflection on how she deals with everyday life. During the pandemic she lost a little bit of her sparkle, as so many children did in lockdown, but she certainly has it back now."