@JakeBerry I was born in Bury and grew up in Ramsbottom and Haslingden. Like many of my school friends, I took ballet lessons, loved singing in choir and took part in the amazing amateur dramatics scene around the North West. I was a founding member of @the_halle youth choir.

I studied @RNCMvoice. I’ve sung on the pitch @ManUtd & graced the cover of @MENnewsdesk before singing the anthems for the 1st England international game at the New @wembleystadium. I sing in opera houses in the North AND the South. I go to watch my partner’s Sunday league team.

Football and The Arts should not be pitted against one another. Both are a fabric of the wonderful North and to disregard either of them is doing proud Northerners a huge disservice. Especially at a time when both are struggling.