Local children release single for cancer charity fund

By Q Radio news

HUNDREDS of children from across Northern Ireland have released a charity single to raise funds for Cancer Fund for Children.

The single ‘Step by Step’, which was commissioned by leading drama company Bright Young Things, was written by local artist Katie Richardson and recorded at Half Bap Studios in Belfast.

All money raised will go directly to Cancer Fund for Children.

A music video accompanies the single which shows it being recorded in the studio and on the steps of St Anne’s Cathedral, the children in their Bright Young Things drama classes.

It also highlights some of the vital support services that Cancer Fund for Children provide in Northern Ireland.

Lisa Duffy, Founder and Creative Education Director at Bright Young Things said: “We are thrilled to launch the Bright Young Things single of our original song ’Step by Step’ which has been made by children, for children.

The single, which is in aid of Cancer Fund for Children, and the process of making it, really conveys the ethos of Bright Young Things as we aim to build confidence and wellbeing in children.  We wanted to create an anthem that children and young people from everywhere could sing and listen to, something which they could relate to and would help get them through even the toughest of times.

‘Step by Step’ is about empowering young people with resilience and self-belief and letting them know that it’s okay not to be okay, and knowing that no matter what life throws at you, that you can get through it by believing in yourself, finding your voice and taking everything, step by step. This is a sentiment that is very relevant given that one in every ten children suffers from some form of mental illness, a figure that is growing all the time,” Lisa continued.

“Teaching our children the importance of giving and supporting those who are suffering is a core value of Bright Young Things. The rehearsals, recording and release of ‘Step by Step’ has been such a wonderful experience for each of our bright young things, one they will never forget and from which they have gained so many life skills that will stay with them. They know that they are contributing to making the lives of other children better and they have also got real strength from the song itself as we have all taken time to discuss and understand its meaning throughout classes over the last few terms so every single pupil has been a part of the whole experience,” Lisa added.

Reflecting on the contribution that Bright Young Things are making to the lives of children and families affected by Cancer Sarah Clements, Cancer Fund for Children’s Schools and Youth Fundraiser said: “We are absolutely delighted that Bright Young Things, an organisation whose ethos is akin to our own, has chosen to support Cancer Fund for Children.  There is nothing more special than young people supporting other children, they may not know and may never meet, through one of the most difficult times in their lives.

“Every week in Northern Ireland another three children, teenagers and young adults are diagnosed with cancer. We understand the devastating impact a cancer diagnosis has on families and that aside from essential medical there is a family that needs to be rebuilt.  Indeed our support is not just focused on the young person but is built around the whole family.  Every year we help around 800 children and their families by providing practical, financial and emotional support to help them become stronger, feel more connected and empowered,” Sarah added.

Lisa Duffy concluded: “As part of our fundraising efforts for Cancer Fund for Children, we are also hosting our first Bright Young Things Festival of Creativity on Saturday 24^th March and each of our BYTs are currently fundraising in the most creative of ways. We are very committed to raising as much money as possible, while ensuring the process has exponential benefits for our students and we are really encouraging the people of Northern Ireland to get behind the fundraising efforts of our bright young things through the charity single and the festival and help us raise as much money as possible for this incredible local charity.”

To download ‘Step by Step’ by the Bright Young Things for £3.50 (inclusive of VAT) or to find out more information on the Bright Young Things Children’s Festival of Creativity go to www.bytdrama.com/charity. All the money raised will go directly to Cancer Fund for Children.