West End star and singing surgeon unite for life-saving musical mission

New Single “With All My Heart” brings Broadway Magic to South African Children’s Heart Surgery Fund.

An exciting new musical collaboration is striking a chord for charity as West End sensation Kerry Ellis joins forces with South Africa’s remarkable “singing surgeon,” Dr Wilhelm Lichtenberg, to transform young lives through the power of music.

Their stunning new arrangement of the hit song “With All My Heart” launches today across major streaming platforms – Apple Music, iTunes, Spotify, and YouTube Music – with every stream directly funding life-saving heart surgery for South Africa’s most vulnerable children.

When Medicine Meets a bit of Musical Magic

Dr Lichtenberg, founder of the  non-profit Young Hearts Africa, is redefining what it means to heal hearts. This internationally acclaimed surgeon doesn’t just save lives in the operating theatre – he’s orchestrating hope through melody, creating a revolutionary approach to humanitarian fundraising.

The collaboration represents far more than entertainment; it’s a lifeline. In South Africa, where over

4 000 – 5 000 children require heart surgery annually, fewer than 800 operations are performed in the public sector that serves 85% of the population. Each surgery costs upwards of R500,000 – a staggering sum that puts survival out of reach for thousands of families.

A Track Record of Transformation

Since launching in 2022, Young Hearts Africa has already rewritten destinies for over 30 children through critical heart surgery at Cape Town’s renowned Red Cross Children’s Hospital. “We’ve saved the equivalent of an entire classroom of children,” says Dr Lichtenberg. “My goal? To save the lives of an entire school – and that’s just the beginning.”

The organisation recently captured hearts all over South Africa with the miraculous story of Baby Kendreya Pillay from Durban, whose life-saving operation at Netcare Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital showcased the power of community compassion.

Authentically African Excellence

“With All My Heart” stays true to its South African roots, featuring the magnificent South African Youth Choir and production by celebrated classical pianist, composer, and producer Riaan Steyn. The track showcases world-class local talent: Elzaan Steyn on violin, Dane Coetzee on cello, and legendary guitarist Mauritz Lotz – whose 40-year career spans over 4,000 recordings and collaborations with icons like Hugh Masekela, Lucky Dube, and Miriam Makeba.

Originally crafted by world-renowned composer Sean Butler in 2013, this reimagined version transforms a beautiful song into a beacon of hope.

A Challenge That Could Change Everything

“Given South Africa’s economic challenges and declining government funding, private donations are crucial,” Dr Lichtenberg declares. “I challenge every doctor in South Africa: if each donated just R100, we could fund at least 10 more life-saving operations.”

His call extends beyond the medical community to professionals, corporations, and citizens nationwide.

Vision for Continental Impact

Young Hearts Africa’s ambitious expansion plans include new pilot projects in the Western Cape, followed by nationwide reach and international expansion into Zambia, Kenya, Uganda, and Nigeria. The goal: saving thousands of Africa’s most vulnerable young lives.

The organisation’s excellence has earned prestigious recognition, including the 2024 Thoracic Surgery Foundation’s Every Heartbeat Matters Award, where Dr Lichtenberg became the only African among 14 global recipients.

The Heartbeat of Hope

“Many associate heart disease with older adults, but congenital heart disease and rheumatic valvular heart disease primarily affect children and young adults,” explains Dr Lichtenberg. “With timely surgery, these children can live healthy lives and contribute to South Africa’s future.”

Every stream of “With All My Heart” represents more than musical appreciation – it’s a heartbeat of hope for a child who desperately needs a second chance at life.

Stream “With All My Heart” now and help save a life with every listen.
See here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzBeRre9u9c

For more information: https://youngheartsafrica.org/