INTERVIEW: Lucy-Jayne is Hitting Home

Continuing my delight in getting to know a little bit more about Eyes Alight, I recently also got in contact via Twitter with another member of McFlyDARES. Say 'hello' to Miss Lucy-Jayne Copley. When Lucy replied I was amazed by how much BIRT and Eyes Alight really meant to these girls. I've titled this interview, "Hitting Home" because for a lot of people, I think that's what BIRT and Eyes Alight is really about - awareness to a cause that's so close to home.

Actually, the title came from the Lucy herself, but I'll let her explain...

- You've only got 26% to go for your goal - how many more shows do you think to get you passed that mark?

It’s incredible that we're racing towards our target so quickly! The amount we've raised at each show has varied considerably, but adding up everything we've raised in cash so far we've just about reached our target which is amazing! Just a couple more shows I think and we'll be well over.

- What attracted you personally to BIRT?

I've been involved with charity work on and off throughout my whole life. When I was younger I used to help out with fundraisers at school and with Brownies, I always helped out at the charity days in high school and I also helped out with fundraising events put on by my local church. I've also known about BIRT for a few months now, although it really came to my attention after I heard about Tom Fletcher's success on The Cube, I looked into it more and it kind of hit home. Whilst I personally have no experience of a condition like those helped by BIRT, it’s an issue close to me because of friends and family and I just wanted to be able to show my support and do my bit.

- How long have supported BIRT?

I guess I just answered that in my previous answer (haha!), but as I said, I have been aware of it for a while but it’s only recently that I've actively supported the cause.

- So, I understand in a way you are one of three "founders" of McFlyDARES, what inspired you to "create" this Twitter group?

That's correct! Well it firstly started off as something we set up just to have fun whilst we were all hanging around venues and camping out on the Above The Noise tour. We wanted fans to submit dares that they'd like to see us perform and we'd do them for a laugh and to pass the time. We had no original intention of setting it up to raise money, but when we heard about the money Tom raised we decided we'd like to help. The idea is the same - people submit the dares they want to see us do - only now they have to sponsor us to do it.

- What sparked your desire to really support the Eyes Alight Appeal?

We were recently contacted by Tom's girlfriend - Giovanna Falcone - via Twitter who told us that Izzy had heard of the work we were doing for BIRT and thought it was fantastic, and would we mind raising money specifically for the Eyes Alight campaign. Of course we agreed - after watching the video of Rupert's story it just really touched me. It’s a heartbreaking yet beautiful story and the idea that I can be helping people like Rupert to enjoy the things in life that a lot of us take for granted is just an amazing feeling.

- Now Jay swam in the ocean as part of her commitment to the cause - would you say you're as daring (excuse the pun) as she is?
Haha she's crazy! But no, it’s all for a good cause. If I was there I would’ve been in there with her! I'm never one to back out of dares, ever since I was young, playing truth or dare with friends, I was always the one making a fool of myself doing dare after dare!
- What is the one dare you would do or have done for the sake of Eyes Alight?

As I just said in my previous answer, I would've gone for a dip with Jay in the sea (haha!). I'll do pretty much anything I get asked to do, within reason. The last thing I want is to end up getting arrested! We're planning some big dares to do at Wembley and Nottingham.

- You guys hold games and costume themes for those who want to support the cause while the Above the Noise tour is on, do you find that there are more supporters at each show?

I think Manchester was a big one for supporters there, I saw a lot of people wondering around in super hero costumes! Sheffield had a few too, but I can't say for the other dates as I wasn't there myself. However many there are though, doesn't particularly matter, so long as we get some support. Every little helps!
- What is the most encouraging thing someone has said to you during your fundraising adventures?

There was a lovely girl at Manchester - I'm not sure of her name - but when we were doing the 50p a hug there she told me she thought I was an inspiration and that more people should be willing to help out causes like these. That really touched me, it’s so lovely to know that people are inspired by our efforts when all we're doing ourselves is helping a cause.
- Finally, when you look back at all of this, what's the one thing you'll always remember?

I'm gonna look back at this and just be amazed – at how four teenage girls have managed to help raise so much money for a charity and managed to raise awareness. I think I'll always remember the friendships I've made and strengthened throughout it too. It’s just been amazing, and I sincerely hope it continues.

Again, if you're interested in BIRT or McFlyDARES - either in getting involved or donating go to either:

- http://www.birt.co.uk/eyesalight/

- http://www.justgiving.com/mcflyfansunite

With love, sL