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The Marsh family, from Boughton Under Blean, near Faversham, are hoping for seasonal success with their Christmas charity single in aid of East Kent Hospitals Charity’s Tiny Toes campaign. Funds raised from their version of Keeping the Dream Alive will go to the neonatal intensive care unit at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, and the special care baby unit at the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate.
They have teamed up with another family from the village, the Clarks, who stage a fundraising lights display each year in memory of their son Jack, who died at just six days old after being born four weeks early in 2002. Both hope the unique collaboration will benefit other poorly babies.
Dad Ben said: “It may not be a traditional Christmas song but we felt it fits, and it’s always top of our Christmas playlist
“We’ve used Jess, our 13 year old, for the opening of the track so it feels smaller which felt fitting for the Tiny Toes campaign.
“Although we haven’t had personal experience of needing hospital care for our children - we have been incredibly lucky – we felt the message of hope from the song fits well and it helps to keep Jack’s dream alive.
“The cover art features lights and candles which fits in with the Clarks’ display – we always walk past with our dogs and have long admired their work.”
The Marsh family first went viral during the pandemic with an adaptation of One Day More from Les Misérables, which satirized lockdown life. Originally made for friends and family, it racked up tens of millions of views and led to appearances on Good Morning America and BBC Breakfast. They have previously supported charities including Save The Children and Prostate Cancer UK, but picked East Kent Hospitals Charity after admiring the Clarks’ lights display
They have reworked Münchener Freiheit’s orchestral classic from 1988 with permission of Sony/ATV and the original writers and publishers. The opening features the voices of the younger family members and acoustic guitars, and the track builds with brass, timpani, and festive chimes and bells. Alfie, 19, plays bass guitar, synths and piano, Tom, 17, plays drums and clarinet, Ella, 16, is on cornet, with Tess, 13 on violins. Ben, 49, supports on guitars, cello and percussion and all six (including mum Danielle, 48) contribute vocals before the song ends as it began with Tess singing solo.
The Clark family’s festive lights were switched on last week, on what would have been Jack’s 23rd birthday.
His sister Ellie said: “We're so glad the Marsh family are supporting the campaign this year, and we genuinely appreciate the energy they bring. The song is beautiful, and we feel very lucky that they want to support our chosen charity.
“Our lights honour Jack, and all the precious babies who now shine among the angels in the sky.
“We hope the display and the song brings people together, to celebrate community, to remember, to smile, and to feel the Christmas magic.”
The song will be officially released on Friday, 5 December, and there are also plans for a video to accompany it.
Dee Neligan, head of East Kent Hospitals Charity, said: “We could not be more excited about this extra-special collaboration which has resulted in the most beautiful version of a classic song.
“Christmas is particularly difficult for our families whose babies need our specialist care and it will mean the world to know people are thinking of them.
“The Clark family’s lights are always a real treat and a beautiful way to honour Jack, and we are so grateful to both families for supporting other parents this festive season.”
You can listen to and buy the song at Marsh Family – Keeping the Dream Alive and donate online at CLARK FAMILY is fundraising for East Kent Hospitals Charity .
