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Gravesend rappers GTown Talents have recorded their own special take on the Christmas classic Silent Night to help raise money for ellenor hospice in Gravesend.
The cover version forms part of the charity’s annual Christmas appeal, to raise awareness and donations for the hospice service which provides vital care and support to adults in North Kent and children across North and West Kent and Bexley.
GTown Talents' video for ellenor
GTown Talents' founder Jimmy Babalola and creative director VybeRoom said in a joint statement: “We put out a call for young and emerging rappers to collaborate with us on this special project – the response we received to the appeal and to the song was overwhelming.
"The singers – LeviDLN, Xanthia Skye and Pro3lem and rapper Eekaye – have given up their time, talent and love so generously to do this and we really hope that this track will raise awareness and donations for this wonderful charity.
"We hope our track provides a much-needed reminder that so many adults and children need ellenor’s support this Christmas and beyond.
“Working with instrumentalists Claude Barry and Zac Vincent, we’ve written and created our own unique and beautiful version of Silent Night and have delivered this classic carol in a manner that is delicate and comforting.
"Each year ellenor enables thousands of people who have a life-limiting or terminal illness to live their life as best they can, and that’s why we are doing this for them and really hope that people will support their Christmas appeal."
This is the second time GTown Talents has partnered with ellenor to raise funds. Earlier this year they made a video to support the charity’s Emergency Crisis Fund Appeal, asking for donations from local people to help counter the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic and the loss of the majority of its fundraising.
ellenor’s chief executive Vikki Harding said: “Christmas is a key time for us, not only for delivering ellenor’s vital care, helping our patients and families make lasting memories, but also to generate much-needed funds for our work.
"We’re incredibly grateful to Gtown Talents for choosing to support us during this time. There are many more very tough days ahead for the adults and children we care for, and GTown Talents' amazing song will be a reminder to our community that we are still here, still caring for those in need.
"On behalf of all of us at ellenor, I’d like to thank everyone for the kindness and support that you have shown us in what has been an incredibly difficult year – your support has helped us to continue the much-needed support we offer for local people. We can’t thank you enough. Merry Christmas to you all”.
Donations to ellenor linked with this song, can be made at ellenor.org/donate
The young singers were keen to help. LeviDLN said: “I think it’s really important in times of crisis, when people are doing something positive, to help people in our community. The act of giving makes us feel better, it feels like we are helping ellenor."
Pro3lem said: “The best part about making the video for charity for me was knowing that it would bring a little Christmas cheer to those struggling in these trying times."
Xanthia Skye said: “I enjoyed knowing that I was getting involved in something that would help the wider community. In times like these, we have to look out for each other and what ellenor does for people in need is something we should all take inspiration from."
Eekaye said: “I got involved in this ellenor hospice project because it is for a really good cause. My best friend’s mum passed away from a terminal illness, and if I can help anyone else’s family struggle a little less, then I will."
You can view the full video below.
Read more: All the latest news from Gravesend
