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Piano prodigy plays Mariah Carey's 'All I Want For Christmas' at London St Pancras International to raise funds for Gravesham Foodbank

13:20, 28 December 2022

updated: 13:30, 28 December 2022

A teen piano prodigy has been spreading Christmas cheer to commuters at one of Europe's busiest stations while raising vital funds for a food bank.

Jesse Bradley, 13, made his busking debut at Ebbsfleet International Station last year where his performances raked in hundreds of pounds for a financially fragile hospice.

The Gravesend Grammar pupil started playing at his local ellenor hospice in Northfleet every Christmas aged eight.

But during the pandemic Jesse's visits to the care home were shelved owing to strict Covid restrictions.

In a bid to raise some festive cheer he used his skills on the keys to play in front of commuters at Ebbsfleet – raising £600 in the process.

This year Jesse secured a gig performing along the concourse at London St Pancras International to raise money for Gravesham Foodbank.

Mum Kat Bradley, 33, said: "We thought St Pancras would be a bit busier because there would be more people.

Jesse Bradley, 13, playing at London St Pancras to raise money for his local food bank in Gravesend. Photo: Kathleen Bradley
Jesse Bradley, 13, playing at London St Pancras to raise money for his local food bank in Gravesend. Photo: Kathleen Bradley

"Last year it was a bit quiet because we were still getting over Covid."

The mum-of-two from Gravesend said son Jesse had selected the charity as he wanted to help the local community.

He had also recently carried out a sponsored walk for the food bank which supports families struggling with rising costs and energy bills.

On Sunday December 18, the piano whizz performed a selection of hits and Christmas classics, including Mariah Carey's timeless 'All I Want For Christmas'.

His performances have also inspired his younger brother Wilfred, eight, who has also taken up piano.

He accompanied Jesse, who is now a grade six, at his pre-Christmas gig at the packed London station where the pair's musical renditions raised nearly £400.

Jesse's younger brother Wilfred also played to hundreds of people. Photo: Kathleen Bradley
Jesse's younger brother Wilfred also played to hundreds of people. Photo: Kathleen Bradley

Together they hope to beat the fundraising total from last year and raise £650. To view or donate to the fundraiser click here.

Mum Kat who works as a social media strategist, says her son Jesse's musical talents were noticeable from a young age and he also enjoys maths and science.

"We encouraged him to play piano when he was five," she said. "His musical tastes have changed quite a lot since.

"He likes the rock band Bring Me the Horizon and turning classic pop songs into piano."

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