Britain’s Got talent stars to perform at Manchester Cathedral for cause ‘close to their hearts’

Denise Leigh and Stefan Andrusyschyn wowed judges on last year's edition of the popular talent show. The couple, who are both registered as blind, shot to fame after opera singer Denise delivered a soaring rendition of Sound of Music's Climb Ev'ry Mountain on BGT, alongside her pianist and accordionist husband Stefan. Stefan, 40, who is originally from Manchester, was born blind, while Denise, 53, was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa at birth and has experienced declining vision throughout her life.

Following the birth of their son Dimitri, the couple found out that Denise has leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), a rare, inherited eye disease that causes severe vision loss or blindness in children, and Stefan also carries the gene for the condition.

Denise’s three adult children from a previous relationship - Rebecca, 30, Michael, 28, and Sam, 27, are all sighted but Dimitri, 11, has LCA and has lost most of his vision.Denise says seeing other children with sight loss at the Carols by Candlelight Concerts for Henshaws has been life changing.

She said: “In 2013 we were in the middle of getting Dimitri diagnosed and when we went and performed at the Carols by Candlelight Concert it was a huge comfort to see other children with sight loss so happy. They were running about and just being kids. It was really comforting”

The Carols by Candlelight Concert, hosted by Dave Steele, known widely as The Blind Poet, will also feature a performance by the Henshaws Children and Young People Choir. The choir, made up of talented young singers from Henshaws, showcases the incredible abilities and enthusiasm of children and young people with visual impairments.

It starts at 6.45pm on Wednesday December 4 and will finish at around 9.30pm. Mulled wine and mince pies will also be available.

Tickets are available to purchase through Henshaw's website On Black Friday (November 29) there will be a ticket sale, otherwise tickets are available for £7.