CD launched to raise money for Acorns Hospice
A CD has been recorded by a musician in a bid to help raise money for Acorns Children's Hospice in Walsall.
Andy Brown, who suffers with Multiple Sclerosis, has released the 11-track album – called "Let's Celebrate" – along with two of his friends.
The former Walsall Manor Hospital nurse decided to fundraise for Acorns in a bid to help save them.
The hospice is currently facing a £2 million funding gap – and could be at-risk if the money isn't found.
It comes after the Express & Star launched an appeal earlier this year to help raise the funds.
Mr Brown, who has a diploma in performing arts, said: "In the past I've done charity shows and raise money for them and when I heard about Acorns, I thought 'I'm not physically fit to do anything on the stage' and I thought I would put a CD together.
"I want to sell it and give the profits to acorns to help with their appeal – It's obviously a worthwhile charity.
"I've always been very aware of it and I think it's very needed.
"Hospice care is very different because it's an entirely different kind of palliative care and they have children in for respite care, too.
"One of the little boys said he was there for respite care and I think it's marvellous.
"It would be awful if it would have to close."
The project has been backed by Valerie Vaz, MP for Walsall South.
Mr Brown, from the Delves area of Walsall, took five or six weeks to prepare the CD with help from Nick De Jarr and Nicole.
Songs from musicals feature on the album, which is very "middle of the road stuff", with Ken Dodd's Absent Friends also featuring.
"I put that in as a tribute to him as it was his song and because I sang the song myself – and the lyrics are very meaningful," he said.
The CD costs £6 and is available by emailing acornscdproject@outlook.com or by calling 07851 223 594.