You Make Me Believe – hospital staff come together to record Christmas single
Staff from across University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) came together in February 2020 to record a Christmas single which has now been released with the aim of raising funds to support UHB Charity’s appeal to bring Christmas to the hospitals.
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This initiative has been led by Gordon Giltrap, legendary musician and long-term patient of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, who enlisted the help of his friend, songwriter Carrie Martin, who wrote You Make Me Believe for the choir to perform.
Following successful treatment at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Gordon wanted to launch a choir with members of staff from across the Trust, and with the help of the hospital charity, brought together a group of keen singers from across the hospitals.
Shortly after the choir got together to record the song, the COVID-19 pandemic began and the choir members all played their part across the hospital in the fight against the pandemic.
Arlo Whitehouse wanted to get involved in the choir after hearing about it through Gordon, who he treated during his time in hospital. Arlo said: “So much has changed since we did the recording back in February, it’s great to see everyone coming together and this provides a bright light in what is a really dark time. To have this to celebrate is a really good thing.”
Arlo works in the research team at QEHB and was redeployed to Critical Care at the start of the pandemic. He said: “It was a really difficult time but we all came together to support our patients. UHB Charity’s support helped by funding iPads to give patients a connection to their loved ones. This Christmas we need to do what we can to continue supporting our patients, and donations to UHB Charity through the release of this single will make a huge difference.”
Gordon Giltrap said: “It was a pleasure and an honour to be involved in this amazing project. Little did we know when we recorded the song that the NHS was about to experience the most difficult period in its existence. The past year has made this project even more special, and I hope that the track brings some joy to people at the end of a very difficult year for us all.”
The money raised from the track will help UHB Charity to support patients and staff across its hospitals, helping to ease the pressures over the months ahead. Cathryn Worth, Fundraising Manager at University Hospitals Birmingham Charity, said: “I would like to thank all of the incredible members of staff from UHB, and all of the incredible musicians and technicians who have helped to make this track a reality. I am delighted that this track is now available for people to listen to, and I would encourage everyone to listen to it and make a donation if they can.