'The song is a message of hope and encouragement' (From Borehamwood Times)
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'The song is a message of hope and encouragement'
10:16am Thursday 13th September 2012 in News By Anna Slater
Max, Sandra and Francesca with the charity CD
When Max Gray’s friend was diagnosed with a type of cancer, the teenager decided to use his talents to raise cash for charity.
The 14-year-old, of Oakridge Avenue, Radlett, penned and composed the emotional ‘I Can’t Handle It’ to inspire Sandra Hamilton, 52, who has Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.
Max, who goes to Haberdashers Boys’ School in Aldenham Road, Elstree, said: “I was really sad when Sandra was diagnosed because she is my mum’s best friend.
“I have known her all my life so I could not just sit there and do nothing. She bared her soul to me so I could have inspiration for the lyrics.
“The song means a lot to me because it is also a message of hope and encouragement, to tell people they can succeed.”
Proceeds from the song will go towards a charity set up by Mrs Hamilton, Cure Cancer, as well as Macmillan Nurses, Teenage Cancer Trust and Breast Cancer.
The song, recorded at Chiswell Studios in St Albans, is sung by Mrs Hamilton’s niece, Francesca Harris, of Colridge Way, Borehamwood.
The friends first began brainstorming ideas for the song last October.
14-year-old Francesca, who goes to the Jewish Free School in Kingsbury, said she agreed to take part in the charity project to encourage her aunt to believe in herself.
She said: “I hold the song really close to my heart now. I poured all my emotions into it when I was singing.
“I am really excited that this could raise a lot of money for charity, as well as helping people who suffer from any kind of disease.
“Max did so well in composing and writing the song, I am pleased I got to be a part of it.”
Mrs Hamilton, of Aylmer Drive, Stanmore, said she is very proud of the pair for their achievements.
She said: “It is an amazing achievement for two 14-year-olds. The song is so passionate and the words are exactly how I feel. I am so proud of both of them.”
The song will be available to buy on iTunes as of Friday.
