A Chester musician has released a cover version in solidarity with everyone separated from loved ones during the coronavirus crisis as he can't see his partner due to her work as a frontline student nurse.
Dan Schott and bandmate Vince Cory, of local band Startripper are donating all proceeds from their cover of Summer (The First Time) by Bobby Goldsboro to The Cavell Nurses’ Trust.
Named after pioneering female nurse Edith Cavell, the charity supports nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants in times of need.
Both well known on the Chester live music scene, the pair believe the song is fitting in these ‘terrible times’.
Dan’s partner Natalie Meacock, 30, is currently working at the Royal Preston Hospital as a student nurse and the couple have been apart due to her work on the frontline in the fight against coronavirus.
Dan, 44 who set up the popular blog and Twitter account Schottslist to highlight local music gigs and bands in the Chester area, said: “Natalie is currently on the frontline, finishing off her BSc on the wards, as opposed to in a lecture hall. As proud as I am of her work, it’s a very worrying time for all of us who have loved ones risking their own health to help others.
“Due to the lockdown and me being based in Chester, I’ve been unable to see her for over a month so as well as really missing her, I’ve been feeling a bit useless, just sitting here, all safe in my bubble, tucked away from it all.
“My partner in the band Startripper, Vince Cory, knew how I was feeling and suggested we did a cover of for all of us who are being kept apart for the greater good.
“So we decided to do our tiny little bit and raise a few quid for The Cavell Nurses’ Trust, a charity which helps nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants, both working and retired, when they’re suffering personal or financial hardship which is often due to illness, disability, older age and domestic abuse.
“They rely on amazing fundraisers, donors, members and sponsors to ensure nurses in need have somewhere to turn in their hour of need.
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“We’re asking that if people like the track that they might very kindly, if they can afford it, give a quid or two to this amazing charity at this time of national crisis by by either downloading the track via our website as a ‘pay what you want’ for a minimum of £1 or by donating via the charity’s website.
“We think we have chosen a song which strikes the right note in these terrible times.”
The track is also available to download via the band's Facebook page, Dan's blog and via Twitter, @Schottslist.
