TIMPERLEY resident, Amanda Jane Heywood had always enjoyed singing, but her natural shyness prevented her from performing in public.

Three years ago she gave her first public concert in Bowdon.

“It was terrifying so I started doing open mic sessions to get confidence,” she said.

Her big break came in 2016 when she was asked to perform at Irlam Live, a three day music event.

“I sang in front of 5,000 people and it was wonderful,” she said.

“Billy Ocean was a headliner and I got to meet him,”

The 49-year-old is going back this year, this time with her own backing band. What’s more, she’s also been asked for 2018, too.

She’s sung on BBC Radio Manchester and Diamond Radio which broadcasts to America.

Amanda modestly plays down her fundraising efforts for charities such as the Stroke Association and Marie Curie as well as We Stand Together which helps victims of the Manchester Bombing.

Her latest charity event on Thursday, November 2 at 8 pm is in a room above the Conservative Club in Greenwood Street, Altrincham. She hopes to raise £1,000 for Christie against Cancer.

Some friends will sing and play the guitar but the star performer will be Amanda.

She says the sell-out event will be a mixture of soul, jazz, and pop and will get more upbeat towards the second set.

It’s important to connect with the lyrics to make a song work. “You are story telling, especially with ballads,” she said.

She will be premiering a song she has written called Spirit.

“I have written a couple of other songs not even titled.

“It would be good to do some original material and record it.”

Her husband, Malcolm is her rock. He is also her manager.

“I’d love to become a professional singer,” she said.