HUNDREDS of people showed up online and in person for the launch of The Lewis Foundation’s charity single on World Cancer Day (February 4), with donations flooding in within hours of the event.
Spearheaded by Northampton’s ‘Singing Solicitor’ Kevin Rogers, chair of regional law firm Wilson Browne Solicitors, and broadcaster John Griff with the help of talented school pupils, NHS staff, local musicians and businesspeople, the rendition and music video of Snow Patrol’s Chasing Cars raised more than £1,600 in the first 24 hours alone.
The video and live launch – which features Kevin’s daughter Bethany, Northampton School for Girls’ award-winning Madrigalis, Kettering General Hospital choir, musicians Beccy Hurrell, Ian Taylor and Wayne Jenkins and volunteers – tells a story of how The Lewis Foundation provides free gifts and care packs to adult cancer patients in 17 hospitals across the Midlands.
The launch, which took place at the Spinney Theatre in Northampton, was streamed live on YouTube. “It was just incredible,” said The Lewis Foundation’s chief executive Lorraine Lewis. “So much work, time and love has been put into the single by Kevin, John and the local community and we can’t thank them enough.
“By showing how we provide support and comfort to adults going through cancer treatment, the video represents everything we stand for and the work we do. The footage tells a wonderful story of three cancer patients who are lonely in hospital and how they were made to smile when The Lewis Foundation volunteers arrive with free gift bags.
“It is more powerful and thought-provoking than we ever imagined.”
The rendition of Chasing Cars is the charity’s third fundraising single. “We had a vision to make it an even bigger and stronger team effort than before and we absolutely pulled it off,” said lead vocalist Kevin Rogers.
“Myself, John, the fantastic NSG and KGH choirs, and local musicians, Beccy, Ian and Wayne have all been blown away by the initial response and to see the momentum continuing to grow is just amazing.
“There were many tears of joy during the live launch and people are sharing their own personal stories now too which is boosting awareness of our campaign. We’re urging others to continue to donate as we continue our efforts to spread awareness.”
Chasing Cars by the #singingsolicitor is licensed by Universal Music Publishing Ltd and is available on Amazon / Spotify / Apple Music / iTunes / YouTubeMusic and other main streaming platforms. The video is also available at youtu.be/sSAS3dTnLCY.
Donations can be made via the JustGiving page www.justgiving.com/fundraising/chasingcarstlf or via SMS by texting ‘Lewis’ to 70450.