A production company in North Wales has gifted a fundraising song which has been released by an Oxton children’s charity.
Wirral-based Amy & Friends have released ‘War Child’ to raise funds for children suffering with Cockayne Syndrome and linked DNA repair disorders. The song was given to the charity by North Wales production company TT23.
Cockayne Syndrome is a rare neurodegenerative disorder. It causes impaired development of the nervous system, growth failure, abnormal sensitivity to sunlight, eye disorders and premature aging.
Charity founder Jayne Hughes said: “We are so grateful to TT23 for all their support and for giving us the gift of this beautiful song.”
TT23 Studios began supporting Amy & Friends after having previously captured footage of their work.
The song was written, composed and produced by the studio’s managing directors, Tania Cornick and Tom Foulkes.
Tom said: “We decided to gift it to the charity, to help raise awareness of its work and everything these children and their families have been through and continue to go through, as well as vital funds.”
Amy & Friends was founded by Jayne – a BBC Radio Merseyside ‘Carer of the Year’ – and her family in 2007 after years of searching for a diagnosis for her daughter Amy.
At 14, Amy was finally diagnosed with the DNA repair disorders Cockayne Syndrome/XRCC4.
Despite facing numerous challenges, Amy led an extraordinary life, surpassing expectations before she died in 2020 at the age of 28.
Her legacy lives on through Amy & Friends, which supports families by helping with diagnoses, providing medical information and 24-hour online support. They also organise transport, accommodation, and accompany families to specialist clinics.
The charity hosts regular outreach events and an annual wellbeing conference. This year’s event, taking place from October 24-26, is expected to draw over 300 attendees, including families and global specialists.
Tania, whose vocals feature on the song, said: “Amy was a beautiful soul that was desperate to help others… Her love and strength need to live on and will through the people she continues to inspire.”
The song was released on Saturday, 21st September, following its first official play by BBC Radio Merseyside’s Billy Hui. ’War Child’ is available for download here and on all major streaming services.
Those wishing to donate can visit their JustGiving page. More information on Amy and Friends and Cockayne Syndrome is available on their website here.
Featured image (c) Amy & Friends/TT23
