Susan Boyle cooks up pancake storm to support work against poverty

Singer Susan Boyle showed off her pancake making skills today ahead of the start of SCIAF's Lent global poverty campaign.

She was joined by the head of the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland, Cardinal Keith O'Brien, and catering students at St Augustine's High School.

Donning a chef's apron and hat, the Britain's Got Talent star helped mix, flip and cook the pancake lunch to raise awareness of the Wee Box, Big Change campaign.

The campaign calls on people to give up a favourite treat during Lent such as cakes, coffee or wine, put the money they save in a SCIAF Wee Box, and donate the proceeds at Easter.

The campaign starts on Wednesday and runs until 6 April. Other big names showing their support are actor Robert Carlyle, The Proclaimers, broadcasters Sally Magnusson and Kaye Adams, and football managers Ally McCoist and Neil Lennon.

Money raised by the campaign will go towards the charity's development work in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

Boyle said: “SCIAF and its work with people living in poverty in developing countries is really close to my heart and always has been. I’m happy that I’m now in a position to help them more than I used to be able to.

“It’s going to be really tough giving up chocolate for Lent again so it was great to tuck into a small feast with the young people today. It’s been great fun and I know every penny raised from the Wee Box, Big Change campaign will help people in need.”

Cardinal Keith O’Brien, SCIAF’s Chairperson, said: "SCIAF’s works in some of the most serious and difficult environments in the world but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a lot fun raising funds to support its work.

"Today’s launch with Susan and the marvellous young people of St Augustine’s will hopefully inspire more people to join the campaign and give up a wee treat during Lent, put the money they save in a WEE BOX, and donate it to help SCIAF’s work!”

Members of the public can get a free WEE BOX and find out more about the campaign by logging on to www.theweebox.org or calling SCIAF on 0141 354 5555