Lib Dem leader Ed Davey aims for Christmas number one with charity single
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey has made a name for himself as a political stunt man.
He’s larked as a paddleboarder, baker, the master of a water obstacle course, sandcastle builder, swing dancer, bungee jumper and wheelbarrow racer – all to bag his party 64 extra seats in July’s general election.
After successfully drumming Queen’s ‘We Will Rock You’ on an exercise ball, he’s turning those expertise to fundraising with a bid for Christmas number one with a charity single called ‘Love Is Enough’.
Written by six current and former young carers, Sir Ed recorded the song last month with Bath Philharmonia’s orchestra and Young Carers’ Choir.
Sir Ed said: ‘This time of year is tough for all carers, particularly young ones – let’s put them in the spotlight.’
Proceeds from downloads and streams will be donated to the Carers Trust and Bath Philharmonia.
But Mr Davey – inspired by his own time as a chorister when he was a teenage carer – also hopes the song with ‘strike a chord’ with carers and their families.
He said: ‘When I sang In The Bleak Mid-Winter in my local church in 1978, neither I nor my brothers nor my mum fully appreciated how much our lives were all about to change.
‘For mum’s cancer was getting worse and I was becoming a young carer. The next two-and-a-half years before my mother eventually died were extremely tough, but they were also full of love.
‘When I heard the opening lyrics to Love Is Enough – “Every second we have left is worth a thousand others” – they struck home and meant so much.’
Bath Philharmonia’s music director Jason Thornton said: ‘At Bath Phil, we believe every young person has a story to tell, regardless of where they are on their musical journey.
‘Our unique approach to co-creating music empowers young carers to amplify their voices and celebrates the incredible roles they play in caring for others.
‘When creating Love Is Enough, the young carers shared a profound message: love is everywhere, even when it’s taken for granted.
‘They wanted to remind us all that, no matter who or where you are, there is always someone out there for you.’
He added: ‘Ed Davey, drawing on his own lived experience as a young carer, has shown these remarkable young people that they are seen, valued, and not alone.’
Carers Trust operates a network of services for carers to provide advice, opportunities and breaks for young carers across the country.
Its chief executive Kirsty McHugh said: ‘Christmas can be a difficult time for young carers.
‘What should be a time of festive fun can, too often, be a time of hard work and stress.
‘That’s why we’re delighted Sir Ed Davey has teamed up with Bath Phil and a talented team of young carers to share his singing skills.
‘It’s so important at this time of year not just to thank young carers, but also to focus attention on the incredible challenges young carers face and the support they need.’
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.