Charity single raising money for Lancashire's Derian House
The children's hospice is being helped by it's patron, singer, Kiki Deville
Greiving parents across Lancashire are being helped to process their loss through music with the help of an internationally acclaimed singer at Derian House Children’s Hospice.
Kiki Deville, best known for her appearance on reality TV’s The Voice – has led the “Keepsake Circle” project at the Chorley-based hospice.
A total of 10 families took part, with an album of the songs being released for sale to raise money for the charity.
Mum Deborah Chapman, and her son Archie, 19, of Rossendale, took part in the songwriting sessions in memory of son and brother, Saul, who passed away aged nine - 11 months after being diagnosed with a rare form of childhood cancer.
Archie’s poems about his brother were included in the poignant song called “I’ve Got You”.
Deborah said:
“We were so happy when we found out we were going to be involved in the Keepsake Circle. Archie and I did it together, a mum and son thing. Saul loved music so it seemed a perfect way to celebrate everything about him.
“Saul was advanced in his years when it came to music – he always had a varied taste. His favourites were Macklemore, Tinie Tempah, Olly Murs, and Skrillex to name but a few.
“He was such a positive, happy person. When you lose someone you lock things away. It was lovely to be able to go through that process of creating a song. You just want to keep the memory of your child alive. I didn’t know what to expect but it was such a positive experience. It feels like it has all come around full circle.
“Archie and I were both blown away by the song, it’s really hard to explain. It was everything Saul was and will be. It is the essence of him. We are so glad we have had the opportunity to take part.”
The songwriting sessions were particularly poignant for songwriter Kiki, Patron of Derian House, whose baby son Dexter was cared for at the hospice during his short life. Dexter, who was born with Zellweger Syndrome, died aged just one month and three days in 2007.
Kiki said:
“Like any project fuelled with emotion, it has been an immense pleasure laced with some sadness. Getting the songs right for the families is a lot of pressure - but pressure I wouldn’t change for the world. It will always be a tough project, but the rewards far outweigh the tough bits.”
Now in its second year, the project has helped a total of 20 families and sees them sharing favourite memories of their child, which are then turned into songs by Kiki and her songwriting partner Guss.
Kiki, of Earby, Lancashire, describes it as “Dexter’s legacy”.
She said:
“This project is my chance to remember my own child Dexter, whilst filling my heart with the memories of more beautiful children that sadly, the world can never meet now.
“But they can get to know them, and their family and friends can remember them, through their unique songs. Being able to continue this relationship with Derian House and Derian House families is such a huge source of joy for me. It is such a special place for so many people, my family included, so working so closely to get to know more Derian families is such a privilege.”