Olympic medallist and former world champ javelin thrower Fatima Whitbread has paired up with Happy Mondays frontman Shaun Ryder. Now, along with their fellow musicians they’re building a new charity track called “Take My Hand.” The exhilarating song celebrates Fatima’s UK Campaign. This is the new charity, established by Whitbread, to improve the lives of children in care. The full track will be featured at the 2024 One Voice Summit at Guildhall in London on 23-24 April 2024.
Whitbread’s emotional investment in this cause is apparent. Her passion for the issue is likely a byproduct of her own personal journey. Abandoned as an infant, she understands the pain that every youth in care faces. Official government figures indicate that in the year ending March 2024 there were 83,630 looked after children in England. This shocking statistic further underscores the critical importance of this initiative. The One Voice Summit will coordinate leading voices in care, state legislators, and leaders of the service industry together. Then, together, they’ll map out strategies that will lead to improved outcomes for all of their vulnerable children.
The collaboration between Whitbread and Ryder blossomed during their time together on the 2023 edition of “I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!” The concept behind “Take My Hand” came together almost immediately as they exchanged ideas, dreams, and plans on how to better serve the young people that need us. The track’s lyrics were penned by 21-year-old Harrison James, who drew inspiration from his own parents’ difficult backgrounds and their commitment to supporting children in care. Unbelievably, the song was recorded in a mere timeframe of three days.
Change in direction Whitbread shared her excitement at Pigeon Point’s inception and promise.
“It’s an incredible line-up, unlike anything we’ve seen for many years,” – Fatima Whitbread
She continued to stress prioritizing early investment in our children, saying,
“Children are our future; if we can invest in them from a very young age it will help to shape who and what they become in society.”
Whitbread’s vision goes beyond just raising money. She wants to create happier, healthier futures for these kids.
“It’s all about building happier and healthier tomorrows and stronger communities and putting these young people on an unstoppable path of reaching their goals and realizing their dreams,” – Fatima Whitbread.
Whitbread is clearly committed to making this work. She will use her lived experiences and Olympic success to profile the unacceptable outcomes that children in care experience.
“I am using my lived experience and my Olympic title to bring things together,” – Fatima Whitbread.
She added that support from fellow artists has been overwhelming.
“All of them were really happy to come on board and incredibly supportive of what I’m trying to do, highlighting unacceptable outcomes for children in care,” – Fatima Whitbread.
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