A child piano prodigy had made his busking debut at a railway station to raise festive spirits and vital funds for a hospice.

Before the pandemic, Jesse Bradley, 12, regularly entertained residents at ellenor Hospice in Northfleet, which provides care and support to thousands of people and their families facing terminal illness in Kent.

Jesse busking debut at Ebbsfleet International raises hundreds for hospice

The Gravesend Grammar pupil fostered a love for music from a young age and has performed at the care centre every Christmas since he was eight.

But with restrictions brought in to curb the new Covid-19 variant, Jesse's upcoming visit was axed for the second year running.

It comes on top of a tough year for the hospice which previously predicted a £1.1 million shortfall in funds and has seen various fundraising activities and events cancelled.

Eager to help make up some of the money lost during the pandemic, Jesse suggested using his skills on the keys to aid an appeal for donations.

On Sunday, the talented youngster who lives in Gravesend, played the community piano inside the foyer of Ebbsfleet International Station to raise some extra cash for the hospice.

Mum Kathleen said: "Jesse has been going into care homes since he was eight every Christmas to play to the residents.

"But because of Covid he could not do it so this year he wanted to do something to raise money for the hospice."

The social media strategist added: "He didn't have a piano teacher for quite some time because of lockdown but he kept it up and is really self-motivated and likes playing different types of music."

Jesse played several Christmas classics mixed with some personal jazz and pop favourites such as Coldplay.

The piano prodigy has performed regularly at school assembles and won the talent contest at Meopham Primary School four years in a row.

But this was Jesse's first time busking in front of strangers.

And his audience didn't just consist of train passengers, with mum Kathleen live streaming the event on Facebook.

During the performance, one online fan said: "He’s coming along nicely as an accomplished pianist, at such a young age.

Another added: "So good!! You were our Sunday lunch soundtrack."

Jesse performed for 45 minutes and has raised more than £400 to date through a mix of online and bucket donations.

But the youngster revealed there was another personal motivation behind his wanting to perform.

The talented musician said: "The ellenor Hospice helped someone close to our family pass away peacefully and I believe that I can show my gratitude by raising money so that they can keep helping people in the local area.

Mum Kathleen added: "That affected Jesse because they were quite close and also because he played in ellenor over the years and wanted to support a local charity."

His performance won him plenty of plaudits, with station staff so impressed they have invited him to perform in London.

Kathleen said: "The station asked if we would like to take him to Stratford International and they will pay the train cost."

The family have not accepted the offer just yet but the mum-of-three added Jesse "was really pleased" at the recognition.

Helen Waters, head of fundraising at ellenor, said: “Our supporters play a vital role in helping ellenor make a difference to the lives of people with life-limiting conditions and their families across Kent and Bexley.

"The station asked if we would like to take him to Stratford International and they will pay the train cost..."

"Everyone at the hospice is blown away by Jesse’s efforts. For such a young lad to care so much about helping others is heart-warming and it is wonderful to see Jesse using his incredible talent to help support our charity.

"We are sure he brought a great deal of Christmas cheer as he entertained everyone at Ebbsfleet International Station, and his dedication means that we can continue to help local patients and their families who are facing life-limiting illnesses. Thank you so much Jesse!"

To donate to Jesse's fundraiser for ellenor hospice click here.