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This song was sung on Alan Titchmarsh show today, it's lovely.
They've raised so much money for charity already.
Hero’s song from beyond the graveBy DAVID WILLETTS, Defence Correspondent
Published: 22 Sep 2010
A FALLEN soldier's farewell message to his family has been turned into a song.
Guardsman Tony Downes, 20, penned poignant goodbye notes to his sweetheart and parents, only be opened if he died in action.
He was blown up on the Afghan frontline in Sangin in 2007. Now his letters have been turned into lyrics by double platinum-selling group The Soldiers.
The track Last Letter features his lines such as: "I'm sorry to put you through all this / I'm sorry there was no last kiss.
"I'm up here in heaven/You're free to start again/My love will never end/I'm sorry to my family and friends.
"Don't cry you/ I know you'll have a wonderful life /Don't cry/You'll always be the apple of my eye."
Tony wrote a farewell note to parents Sheryl, 47, and Ronnie, 62, at their pub in Manchester, and one to then girlfriend Jane Little.
Sheryl, who let the band use the letters, said: "The song is the most amazing thing I have heard.
"It shows how much my son was a loving, caring person. I can just see him looking down on us with his million watt smile, he will be so proud. I sobbed when I first heard it. I can imagine Tony singing it."
Last Letter is on The Soldiers' follow up album to Coming Home, which got to No5 in the charts.
Members Lance Corporal Ryan Idzi, Staff Sergeant Richie Maddocks and Sergeant Major Gary Chilton have dedicated the track to Tony, of 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards. Ryan said: "Knowing where the words came from made us put more passion into it."
Proceeds will go to service charities. The album Letters Home is released on October 25.
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/campaigns/our_boys/3147623/Heros-song-from-beyond-the-grave.html#ixzz13UTujOCg
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This time of year there is always lots of new cd's around that are unusual. I didn't see the show, but I imagine that it will be a good follow up to last years cd. I did though see an advert this lunchtime for a compilation cd that has been done by The Chelsea Pensioners with various famous artists. I thought great, it's my Dad's birthday on Sunday and I thought that would be a super present for him, but guess what it doesn't come out till the 8th November. Ah well that's part of his Xmas present sorted.
Here's the track listing for it if anyone is interested.
1. Bless 'Em All
2. I'll Be Loving You (Always) - Chelsea Pensioners & Katherine Jenkins
3. Men In Scarlet
4. Goodnight Sweetheart
5. The White Cliffs Of Dover - Chelsea Pensioners & Vera Lynn (The)
6. Military Medley [There's something about a soldier/It's a long way to Tipperary/Pack up your troubles/We're gonna hang out the washing on the Siegfried Line]
7. Pennies From Heaven - Chelsea Pensioners & The Soldiers
8. I'll Be Seeing You
9. Now Is The Hour - Chelsea Pensioners & Janey Cutler
10. King And Country
11. If You Were The Only Girl In The World
12. A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square
13. Abide With Me - Chelsea Pensioners & The Choir Of The Royal Hospital
14. Jerusalem - Chelsea Pensioners & The Choir Of The Royal Hospital
15. Danny Boy
16. The Boys Of The Old Brigade
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Hi Helen, that cd sounds good but I have no one who would appreciate it on my pressie lists
The Soldiers were good on AT's show, you could probably see the online and listen to the song. I just can't imagine how hard it would be to write such a letter and even worse, to imagine reading it from someone you just lost.
The title of a song from the CP cd says it really, Bless em all!
Lizx
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I listened to this song on my computer and it was heart brakeing and wonderful at the same time.
I will buy the CD for it is another way to support the cause.
My son told me that before he and his colleagues went away they were told that they had to write a letter for their next of kin , just in case. When he called me to tell me this I was taken aback when he said it wasn;t for me or his father. And then he said something that I will never forget and which brought tears to my eyes.
He said " Mum, I have thought for a few days who this letter should go to. You and dad get along very well but as you are divorced for only one of you to read this and then have to tell the other would be one stress to much for either of you. I know you are still close to each other and I thought I cannot do this, So who better than my identical twin to be the person I want to receive this, if it is ever needed,for he will know that I have gone. Haven't we always felt the same pain even when we have lived hudred of miles apart. Remember when I broke my arm and A told you that his arm was hurting so much you took him to A&E. What about the time he had his appendix out and I called to say I was in A&E at a different hospital with severe abdominal pain, and yes I had to have my appendix out as well".
And anyway Mum you will know that something has happened because no matter how old we are you always call and say " what is wrong, i feel that something is not quite right so let us have a chat". I remember this about you Mum and if I am lucky enough to have children then I hope that I have the same gift"
After this call I wrote this down straight away and put it with Army sons letters cards photos etc..it has been a solace to me when we cannot be in contact
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They sung at the end of This morning on ITV today as well...but this time with the Army Wives
It was another sad song with lovely lyrics, the lead singer really has a lovely voice..
Nicky
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Absolutely Brilliant .
They have their own official website..where you can get sign up and get updates.
http://www.the-soldiers.co.uk/
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Bridget, what a thoughtful loving son you have. I find the thought of those young men writing the letters so very sad.
I will be asking for the cd on my Christmas list, every little helps and I enjoyed the previous cd they did.
Lizx
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