More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
An engaged couple are raising cash for charity with a Covid-inspired cover of a popular Christmas tune.
Joe Smith and Vicky Marshall, both from Ashford, originally came up with their version of Jona Lewie's 'Stop the Cavalry' for Vicky's grandad Bob.
Joe and Vicky's 'Stop the Covid Please' is now available through all music providers for charity
But posting it on Facebook, the Park Farm duo were stunned when it got more than 30,000 views.
Joe said: "Vicky and I constantly record songs for her grandad and it was initially just for him, but we put it on Facebook and we couldn't believe the response."
Called 'Stop the Covid Please', they wrote the words in about an hour, but took a little longer to mix it and edit the video which they shot across Ashford.
All of the instruments and vocals in the cover were recorded by the pair, who have both been life-long musicians.
The lyrics reference the current pandemic-hit state of the country, but also personal things such as postponing their wedding from August this year to June 2021.
Also, the roads featured in the video – including Nine Acres in Kennington and Ransley Green in Ruckinge – are those of their friends and family who they've missed not being able to meet this year.
When asked why they chose Jona Lewie's tune in particular, they said it was because it is Bob's favourite festive song.
Now, Vicky and Joe are releasing it on Spotify, Apple Music and iTunes and will donate 100% of the proceeds to Endometriosis UK.
Joe, the 33-year-old owner of landscaping company JC White Geomatics in Hythe, says they hope some good can come of the updated Christmas jingle.
Compliance assistant Vicky, 29, says they are collecting cash for the charity to raise awareness of the illness.
Endometriosis is the second most common gynaecological condition in the UK, with symptoms including excruciating pain during periods and infertility.
She said: "I was diagnosed with endometriosis in January, so that was a great start to 2020.
"We want to make it a bit easier for people to get diagnosed, because it currently takes on average seven years for a diagnosis.
"If you're growing up in a school environment and you have period pain, you might be told to just get on with it, so people are suffering in silence.
"Any pennies made through streams/downloads will be donated to Endometriosis UK - so add us to your Christmas playlists, play us on mute in a loop, whatever you like, but know that it is all for a very worthy cause."
To listen to the song, search Vicky & Joe - Stop The Covid Please on any music provider.
