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The family of a homegrown Celebrity X-Factor superstar, who has type 1 diabetes, are encouraging others to sport t-shirts to support him in more ways than one.
Produced by Magic Touch, the sale of each one of the eye-catching tees bearing Jonny Labey’s face will see £4 go towards Diabetes Jersey, a charity close to his heart.
Victoria College alumnus Labey, who rose to fame as Paul Coker on ‘EastEnders', recently joined Celebrity X-Factor.
Facing the criticism of judges Simon Cowell, Nicole Scherzinger and Louis Walsh, the former ‘Mr Battle’ is representing Jersey amongst the star-studded line-up.
Video: Johnny during his first performance on the 'X-Factor.'
So far, Jonny has channelled his big band roots with a cover of Portugal. The Man’s hit 'Feel It Still', before joining Michael Buble’s producer, David Foster, for a duet.
“He had no idea that it was going to happen,” Jonny’s mum told Express. “It’s just as well he knew that song.”
Collette Labey, like the rest of Jonny’s family, are proud of his selection on the tv show, although she admits “it’s a bit surreal".
View this post on InstagramBackseat drivers! #throwbackthursday #youcantsitwithus #XFactorCelebrity
A few weeks ago, Jonny returned to the island to join his family and local fans to watch the show at the Seymout Pub in Grouville. When he arrived at the airport, his family decided to show their support by wearing personalised t-shirts.
“What we did was just for the family to surprise Jonny at the airport. We were going to open up our zip up jackets and show our tee shirts,” Collette explained.
After Jonny shared the picture on social media, some of his fans got in touch asking where they could get their own.
Pictured: Since Jonny's family were spotted wearing supportive themed tees, many others have been getting in touch to get one of their own.
Collette therefore contacted Phil Heard at Magic Touch and asked him if he could print more tees, while donating £1 to Diabetes Jersey - a charity Jonny is the ambassador for - for each one sold. “Phil actually came back and said, 'How about we give £4?'” Collette recalled.
“Lots of people were asking Collette and Mark where they could buy the t-shirts as they also wanted to support Jonny on Celebrity X-Factor and they came up with the idea of donating an amount from every t-shirt sold to Diabetes Jersey, a charity that Jonny is the Ambassador for,” Mr Heard added.
“We agreed that this was a great idea and hence in collusion with the family agreed a sum of £4.00 from every t-shirt sold will go straight into the charity."
Pictured: Jonny's niece proudly showing her tee shirt.
Collette explained that Jonny was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 15, while he was studying for his GCSEs. “It goes to show that whatever career you want to do, diabetes should not hold you back at all,” she said.
“It has to be monitored and accepted, and if you do your life can be as good as a person who does not have diabetes.”
Jonny’s sisters travelled to London to cheer him on for the first live show, donning their personalised tee shirts for the occasion.
The performer received a standing ovation from all three judges at the end of his jazz rendition of 'Show me Love'.
Video: Jonny showcasing his 'incredible swing'.
Simon Cowell described Jonny's performance as "actually brilliant", going as far as saying that he was "one of the best contestants in this entire competition".
Jonny's mentor in the competition, Louis Walsh, said he had "something special".
"You light up that stage when you smile, you're the greatest little showman so far tonight," Mr Walsh said. "I see massive potential, I love what you do, and Jonny, for that reason, I'm giving you my safe seat!"
Jonny will take to the stage once again this Saturday for the second week of the live shows.
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