Tina Turner tribute artise cheers up patients
Published on: Fri, Aug 08, 2025
By: Wu Vui Tek Text Size: Rebecca (fourth left) and Jessica (fifth left) with the Unduk Ngadau team. Kota Kinabalu: The often subdued atmosphere of the Palliative Care Association Home at Rose Garden turned electrifying when Irish singer Rebecca O'Connor showed up to rock the patients. Rebecca, regarded as one of the world's finest Tina Turner tribute artists, performed a preview show ahead of the charity concert 'Heart of Gold' in aid of the Palliative Care Association of Kota Kinabalu (PCAKK) 26th annual charity dinner and concert at the Sabah International Convention Centre today (Aug 8).
Advertisement She was welcomed together with her bandmates, bringing cheers and excitement to those present who shared in the moment of joy and hope with the patients. She was personally endorsed by Tina Turner, who once described her performance as 'so good, it's scary.' Rebecca belted out several numbers to the delight of patients, volunteers and guests from the fast number 'When the Heartache Is Over' to Tina's signature and iconic 'Simply the Best.' The fun and enthralling gathering also saw one of the patients, Jessica Magdalena Taimis, 16, realise her dream of being crowned Unduk Ngadau by the reigning 2025 state-level queen Atitih Yatih Robert.
Advertisement 'I am truly happy today as my wish to become an Unduk Ngadau queen has come true. 'I am also very happy to meet Tina (Rebecca) and hear her powerful performance. 'This is the first time I've heard her songs, and it was really good,' said Jessica, from Kampung Butong in Tamparuli. Rebecca said she was honoured and privileged to sing for patients and families who are walking the final, most tender chapter of life's journey. 'Through music, we hope to bring a moment of peace, love and presence, a small offering from the heart to comfort theirs,' she said. The charity dinner aims to raise awareness and funds to support PCAKK's free palliative care services across Kota Kinabalu and surrounding areas. Head of State Tun Musa Aman and Toh Puan Faridah Tussin, both long-time supporters of PCAKK and its cause, will attend the event. Guests will also be entertained by local talents The String Trio, Zara Flintoff and Rene Barrow. Since 1995, PCAKK has provided free home-based palliative care to over 5,200 patients with cancer, organ failure, neurodegenerative diseases and other serious illnesses. The association also supports children with life-limiting conditions and provides emotional and practical support to their families. Also present were PCAKK President Datuk Dr Jaswant Singh, Immediate Past President Ivy Stanislaus, the Unduk Ngadau team, volunteers and families. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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