**TikTok Stars Rally for Grandfather’s Heart Surgery, Raising Over £40,000 in Days**
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In a remarkable story of community support and creativity, actor Beavan Zulu has successfully generated substantial funds for his grandfather’s heart surgery through an inspired TikTok series. In just over a week, Zulu’s innovative approach has seen donations exceed £40,000, drastically altering the life of his grandfather, Rebby Malekani Chanda, who urgently requires a cardiac procedure in India.
The 27-year-old actor launched his TikTok campaign on April 28, initially posting what he called “Day 1 of emo covers for my grandpa’s heart surgery”. This video featured a quirky rendition of “Let It Go” from Disney’s Frozen, marking the beginning of a viral trend that captivated audiences. At the time of the first upload, the GoFundMe campaign set up by his family had only accumulated £1,400. However, within 24 hours of posting, the amount surged to over £8,800.
Relaying the emotional journey, Zulu explained that he felt compelled to help as he grappled with the distressing news of his grandfather’s deteriorating health. Diagnosed with a serious heart condition, Chanda’s recovery depends on a specialised procedure known as Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT), which necessitates travel to India for treatment—a significant financial burden for the family.
Struck by a wave of inspiration, Zulu reflected that the idea for his TikTok series came during an otherwise mundane moment while in the shower. He pondered how to rally attention and support for his grandfather’s plight and jokingly recalled his high school days of performing in an “emo” style. This personal touch not only highlighted his creativity but also endeared him to many on social media.
Following the release of his first video, Zulu continued to produce daily displays of emotion-laden music, featuring covers of songs like Natasha Bedingfield’s “Unwritten”. His approach involved creating a character with a distinct style, complete with faux bangs, fingerless gloves, and eccentric jewellery, all designed to bring a comedic flair to his heartfelt cause.
By the end of the third day, Zulu had developed a devoted online following, with countless viewers rallying to support his grandfather. The rapid accumulation of funds and shares on social media served as a testament to the power of digital platforms in mobilising community support.
His family, initially surprised by Zulu’s unique approach to fundraising, eventually embraced the character he created. His grandfather, as a significant source of encouragement throughout Zulu’s acting journey, has remained in good spirits, buoyed by the overwhelming affection and generosity pouring in from strangers around the world.
In recent days, Chanda completed the preliminary checks ahead of his surgery. Zulu expressed hope that travel arrangements to India would commence soon so his grandfather could receive the necessary treatment. “His spirits are high. He is just the happiest little grandpa right now, seeing the outpouring of love and generosity,” Zulu stated.
Highlighting the emotional impact of the campaign, Zulu revealed how many viewers found joy in his videos, with numerous comments reflecting the uplifting nature of his content. “I saw a lot of people commenting that this video encapsulates what human hope is,” he shared, noting how delighted he was to provide a positive source of energy during these challenging times.
With more than £40,000 raised, Zulu has surpassed his initial fundraising goal. He fervently conveyed his gratitude to the online community that rallied behind his grandfather, thanking those who commented, liked, and shared his videos. “I just want to say thank you to everyone that engaged with the content. I’m glad that my neurodivergent tendencies have resonated with so many, fostering support for my grandfather,” he concluded.
As Zulu looks forward to the next steps in his grandfather’s treatment and recovery, his journey serves as an inspiring example of how social media can foster community togetherness and lead to tangible change in people’s lives.