A GROUP of North Yorkshire allotment owners have produced a Christmas single on the infamous festive vegetable – sprouts – all in the name of charity.
The Allotmenteers, from Northallerton, bonded over their shared love of allotments during the 2020 Covid lockdown and decided to grow produce to support a hospice charity in memory of an old friend.
Brought together by Northallerton man Jon Stephenson, their aim is to “grow and create some positivity – in the face of global adversity” by donating proceeds from the veg they grow to help local charities.
The group have since been growing vegetables in memory of their friend Paul Brennan – known as Bren – who died in November 2019, being looked after by Herriot Hospice Homecare carers in the last days of his life.
However, now they are set to take things a step further and have released a Christmas single in the name of charity.
The single, inspired by the popular Tears for Fears song "shout" named “Sprouts – Asparagus Spears for Fears” has been released on YouTube and Bandcamp and all proceeds from the sale of the record will be donated to charities close Mr Stephenson’s heart.
Included in the charities is Herriot Hospice Homecare, Commando Kids Youth Initiative and Dementia Forward.
Mr Stephenson said he chose Herriot Hospice Homecare again as “it was the charity I set up with and who cared for our old mate Bren who sadly passed away this time two years ago.”
He added: “Dementia Forward have helped me care for my mum and I am setting up a fund with them named after her.
“Commando Kids Youth Initiative, I have set up with an ex-Royal marine called Sean Ivey, who suffered a vicious arson attack on his house the same week we had our community shed burnt down, which was named after Bren, and we have the backing of Prince William on this one.”
On the song, Jon added: “We would also like to give a massive thank you to the mighty Tears For Fears for allowing us to use, and abuse, one of the biggest and most influential anthems of all time.”
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