A couple who wrote a song dedicated to their baby daughter who sadly died at just 12-weeks-old are backing a fundraiser for the charity which helped them to write their very special musical tribute.
Arti and Raj Solanki wrote and recorded an original a song called ‘Our Little Warrior’ for their daughter Ra-ang who died in the premature baby unit at Leeds General Infirmary.
They were supported to do this by the Swan Song Project, which helps people facing the end stages of their lives write songs to leave behind for loved ones; and people dealing with bereavement, like Arti and Raj, to write songs in memory of those they have lost. The small Leeds-based charity works with people across Yorkshire and beyond and has launched a fifth birthday fundraiser to raise £50,000 to enable it to help more people write personal songs for family and friends.
Mum Arti wrote the music and lyrics for their song with songwriter Lisa Marie Glover. She was then helped to sing, produce and record the song with husband Raj on backing vocals for the chorus which is sung in Hindi.
Arti said: “Our daughter Ra-ang was here for a short while but left us with a lifetime of memories. We wanted to write a song to honour her memory and, also, to thank the Leeds General Hospital which was her home. “The songwriting sessions with Lisa were so soothing; it was more like a counselling session, where we spoke and remembered our daughter. The experience really brought me comfort and the finished song makes us feel content. We like to feel our daughter will hear it and be dancing in the heavens.”
Arti found out about the Swan Song Project after attending an event about the power of art helping people cope with bereavement.
Arti added: “I would like to thank Ben for creating the Swan Song Project and allowing this opportunity to individuals like us. The process of writing and singing the song has been a healing journey and I would like to thank the entire team.”