RISING star Josh Dubovie has joined forces with St Luke’s Hospice – by becoming the charity’s celebrity patron and backing its Make St Luke’s Shine appeal.

The 19-year-old Laindon lad, who represented the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest in May, will be performing at a special celebration to take place at the hospice, in Nether Mayne.

The evening will be an illuminating one for the hospice as it will see the building’s perimeter lit up with thousands of lights – the culmination of the Make St Luke’s Shine appeal.

The appeal started in May and is asking people to make a donation to mark the hospice’s 20th anniversary.

In return, the hospice is going to light up its building and show the public how their support is helping the charity continue to give assistance to the community’s terminally ill people.

Allison Jones, fundraiser at St Luke’s, said: “It’s great to have Josh on board. He’s such a talented performer and a well-known local face.

“We’re hoping he will really boost our appeal, which has been going well, considering the current economic climate.

“So far we’ve raised just over £5,000 from public donations, but we are aiming to raise at least £10,000, so we still have some way to go.

“As an indicator of how well we are doing, we are going to start to light up our perimeter hedge.

“The more of our hedge the public sees lit up the more it will indicate how well our appeal is doing.”

Former Billericay School pupil Josh will be performing at the hospice on Thursday, September 16.

He said: “As celebrity patron to the hospice, I am honoured to be part of this special event.

“It only seems like yesterday I took part in the Voice 4 St Luke’s singing competition and never believed it would lead to so many wonderful opportunities.

“St Luke’s is now a very big part of my life, and I am delighted to be supporting such a kind, caring and worthwhile charity.”