Bournemouth-born James McVey from The Vamps pop band and ‘piano man’ Matt Black are featured on a Christmas single released by the Julia’s House Hospice Choir.

Silent Night is available to the public from 4 December to mark the end of the charity’s 20th anniversary year. The video can be viewed here from 4 December, https://youtu.be/FYvO237xpGQ

Care from their local hospice is a lifeline for seven-year-old Addy’s family, who feature in this year’s Julia’s House Christmas Appeal. Addy has an ultra-rare type of Batten disease (CLN2), which only affects approximately 30 people in the UK, with around five children diagnosed each year. The genetic condition is a devastating and debilitating brain disorder known as ‘childhood dementia’ because it steals every skill a child has ever learned. The disease is terminal and without medical advances, Addy sadly isn’t expected to reach her 10th birthday. It’s thought this Christmas will probably be the last one where she will be able to see.

Addy’s mum, Hayley, said: “Julia’s House has been with us since almost the beginning. They’ve been there as Addy has stopped walking by herself and stopped eating. It’s such a relief to know that we have Julia’s House nurses and carers who are medically trained to look after Addy, and who will sweep in and say: ‘Now, go and take some time for you’. We don’t really know what the next month or the next year will hold – so we are making the most of the time we have together.”

Julia’s House is appealing for donations to help families like Addy’s make magical memories this Christmas and the release of the single Silent Night by the Julia’s House choir is one way people can help raise funds.

Silent Night’s score is beautifully played by Braishfield String Quartet, Dorset’s legendry ‘piano man’ Matt Black, and five-piece band The Defectors, with the help of accomplished musician and orchestral leader, Ian Partridge. Vocals also include choir leader and professional singer, Clairelouise Moore, of The Sensational Sweets.

Heartfelt words have been written for the verses of Silent Night by Julia’s House chief executive, Martin Edwards, who sheds light on the round-the-clock care provided to children like Addy and her family at the Julia’s House hospices in Corfe Mullen and Devizes.

He said: “Singing in the choir is great for everyone’s wellbeing, and it’s so moving with the children joining in. We decided to convey a little about our care service, by writing alternative lyrics to Silent Night, depicting a night of care at the hospice during Christmas; how children make friendships together there, and how we support families throughout the tough times. It’s our own special take on the spirit of Christmas.”

The recording of Silent Night took place at the Echo Town Music Studios in Dorchester earlier this autumn – as a ‘gift in kind’ from owners Nick and Grace Capaldi, who are both avid supporters of local charities. Nick himself is a renowned singer/songwriter and solo recording artist in the south-west.

The charity choir was launched in spring 2023 by Julia’s House colleagues, Clairelouise Moore, Martin Edwards and retail manager, David Hutchings, initially as a wellbeing project for staff and volunteers. The choir has met and rehearsed weekly in Christ’s Church, Creekmoor.

Julia’s House Choir leader, Clairelouise Moore, said: “Some colleagues and I were talking last Christmas about starting a Julia’s House choir and the 20th anniversary year of the charity seemed like the perfect time. Our sessions are all about unity and about having fun.

“Little did we know that a bit of magic was soon about to happen. Out of the blue, we received an email from Nick and Grace Capaldi from Echo Town Studios, asking if Julia’s House wanted to use their recording studio. Since then, the help and support we’ve received from the local community, musicians and businesses to make our Christmas single happen has been extraordinary. We are immensely grateful to all those who have made our own special version of Silent Night possible – it’s a meaningful initiative that we hope will be a beautiful addition to everyone’s holiday season.”

Local artist, Phil Johnson from Elle Media Group, has created the single’s cover and the song will be available on all major music streaming platforms including Spotify and Apple Music from Monday 4 December. A limited number of CDs are also available to buy online at www.juliashouse.org/shop where an accompanying music video can be viewed and shared.

The filming of the single’s video is thanks to the effort of 11 students and a lecturer from Bournemouth University and Drone Age Technology.

Donations directly towards the Julia’s House Christmas Appeal – to help make magical memories for children like Addy – can be made at www.juliashouse.org/choir or by calling 01202 644220.

The choir will be performing at the Julia’s House Carols by Candlelight service at St James’ Church, Poole on Thursday 7 December.