A SINGER-songwriter from Liskeard is aiming for success in the charts with a song written straight from the heart.

Luke Middleton has been part of Relay for Life for more than 10 years. The national fundraiser sees teams of friends and family take part in 24 hours of sponsored laps for Cancer Research – and as Cornwall’s only Relay, the Liskeard event has raised many thousands of pounds in the 14 years it has been held.

In 2020, the Relay for Life had to go virtual, but members still raised an incredible £26,000 through determined efforts. Since then, local teams have continued to bring in the donations through sponsored walks, virtual pet shows, and most recently, their very own friendly Bake-Off competition.

Now Luke, who is part of the Creative Academy Cornwall team, has released a song he wrote to celebrate Relay for Life – and all the proceeds will go to Cancer Research UK.

Knowing he was an accomplished musician, the Relay Committee approached Luke to write a song –and Falmouth University offered its recording facilities for free.

The single is available to download from today (Friday March 19) from all major streaming websites. Members of the public have until Thursday March 25 to help Luke get into the UK Top 100 chart.

“I originally wrote this song for our local Relay team and I am now very proud to be reaching out with it to other Relayers in the UK and further afield,” said Luke, 28, and a dad-of-one.

“When I was writing the song I knew that I had to write it from the heart. Hence the first words, ‘I stand before you and open up my heart’. Once I had that lyric, the song pretty much wrote itself.

“I was inspired by my local team, and personal experiences, and a very enthusiastic family supporting me.”

Luke says that he loves being part of the Relay, which has its focus in the event in May, but which brings people together all year round.

“The Relay is also a wonderful way of connecting surrounding communities and literally saving lives one step at a time,” he said.

“I’m supporting the charity because although it is known for its ground-breaking research, that’s only the tip of the iceberg.

“Cancer Research UK consistently supports the community and offers a wide range of opportunities for a variety of people.”

Sophie Barber, relationship manager for Cancer Research in Cornwall, said: “We’re so hopeful that the Relay community and the community in Liskeard and Cornwall will all rally behind Luke and help him to get in the top 100.

“The Liskeard Relay for Life Committee have been so supportive of Luke’s song. They knew that Luke was a fantastic musician and so they approached him to see if he might be able to compose a song for them. Everyone was completely blown away by the song when they heard it as it just completely summed up the essence of Relay”

COVID-19 has caused a devastating loss of research funding. Cancer Research UK is predicting a staggering £300 million drop in income over the next three years which could put future medical breakthroughs at risk.

Money raised through donations will help scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, helping to save more lives.

Every year around 34,800 people are diagnosed with cancer in the South West and one in two people in the UK born after 1960 will get cancer in their lifetime

To find out more and follow the link to The Relay for Life Song visit www.cruk.org/relay-luke