THE stars of The Voice joined the Daily Echo to support a Southampton-based charity with the launch of its new campaign.

As campaign launches go, they don’t come much more glamorous than to be staged in the grand setting of the state rooms of the home of the Prime Minister.

Yet that was the scene for the launch of the latest venture from city-based charity U Support, attended by stars of TV and entertainment.

The Daily Echo is proud to back the campaign, as Local Newspaper Week draws to a close, with its theme this year, Making a Difference.

Opening Doors is the latest brainchild of husband and wife team Adam and Tracey Gregory, founders of the charity that seeks to help disabled and disadvantaged children.

Attending the reception at 10 Downing Street were a large number of supporters and youngsters who have been helped by U Support since it was created in 2003.

Several stars from the TV talent show The Voice, including this year’s winner Jermain Jackman, attended, along with chef David Myers, one of the presenters of the Hairy Bikers series.

Hosting the event was the Prime Minister’s wife, Samantha Cameron, who told the assembled guests how much she admired the charity and the work it was doing to provide disabled and disadvantaged children with the chance to enjoy special days out at venues and sports facilities.

“You do such fantastic work and I'm delighted to welcome you here today,” said Mrs Cameron.

The Prime Minister also sent a special message to supporters in which he expressed his admiration for the work they do.

“To have helped around 10,000 young people is a marvellous achievement and I would appreciate it if you could pass on my gratitude to all those who have helped in this tremendous effort,” he wrote.

Thanking everyone for their support, founder Adam unveiled the charity’s latest campaign, Opening Doors.

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The new campaign aims to help even more young people on a national scale, enabling them to visit football stadiums, theatres, and other venues.

“We are asking football clubs to join our campaign enabling us to support and assist these children to enjoy the thrill of attending a football match.

Currently, for so many children and their carers, it is beyond both their financial and physical means,” said Adam.

The charity has also been working closely with The Mayflower Theatre in Southampton, and chief executive Michael Ockwell attended the Downing Street event.

The Mayflower is hosting a special evening of entertainment, starring some of the big names from The Voice, with proceeds going to U Support.

“As a small charity we are so honoured to have been able to hold this event at such a prestigious location,” added Adam.