Country duo Ward Thomas are releasing a Christmas single with part of the profits going towards the Evening Standard’s Christmas appeal for homeless veterans.
Twin sisters Catherine and Lizzy Ward Thomas have recorded an a capella version of In The Bleak Midwinter for release on iTunes. Our veterans appeal will receive half the proceeds, with the other half going to German charity The Volksbund.
The 20-year-olds, who have homes in Clapham and Hampshire, said they were inspired by the bravery of soldiers in the trenches during the First World War and said it is important to help today’s veterans who have “fallen on hard times” — especially at Christmas.
They praised the Standard campaign and urged Londoners to back it.
Lizzy said: “It breaks our heart to know that people who suffered and fought in wars for their countries should struggle and fall on hard times when they are home. This is why we feel so strongly about this campaign, particularly on the 100th anniversary of the First World War when so many young men of our age, and even younger, gave their lives for their country.”
Catherine said their version of In The Bleak Midwinter was inspired by the Christmas truce between British and German soldiers in 1914. The moving video for the song features original footage from the trenches and text which reads: “If we were living 100 years ago in 1914, all the boys we know would have been fighting in the trenches. Some may already have been killed.”
The sisters made their first recordings in Nashville, Tennessee, and have since recorded an album, played the Country2Country Festival in London and been on BBC Radio 2. Their single is available to download from iTunes from Monday and the video can be watched from today on YouTube or wardthomasmusic.com.
The Standard’s Christmas appeal is raising money for two charities — ABF The Soldiers’ Charity and Veterans Aid — to support veterans.
For more information on our Christmas appeal please visit www.homelessveterans.co.uk.
To donate, go to www.homelessveterans.co.uk/donate
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