Only in SA will you find microphones and stethoscopes working together for the greater good! South Africa’s remarkable “singing surgeon,” Dr Wilhelm Lichtenberg, together with West End sensation Kerry Ellis, is redefining what it means to heal hearts by using a powerful song to fund life-saving heart surgery for South Africa’s most vulnerable children.
South Africa (04 August 2025) – We all know music can soothe the heart, but what if we told you about a musical mission that is helping heal those countless children with heart disease?
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 launched last week across major streaming platforms, 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 musical 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.
Star Power Meets South African Soul
Kerry Ellis brings serious star power to this humanitarian mission. The first British actress to portray Elphaba in Wicked full-time, both in London’s West End and on Broadway, Ellis has captivated global audiences in Les Misérables, We Will Rock You, Oliver, Cats, and Miss Saigon.
Her successful recording career, featuring collaborations with Queen’s Sir Brian May (himself a Young Hearts Africa ambassador), adds musical gravitas to this charitable venture.
This marks the duo’s second collaboration for Young Hearts Africa, following their powerful 2022 partnership with Sir Brian May on “Who Wants to Live Forever.”
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.
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 on Apple Music, iTunes, Spotify, or YouTube Music and help save a life with every listen.
Sources: Supplied
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google.
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:
Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.
by 