Larry’s poignant tribute to cancer charity

Local songwriter and musician Larry Lowe has produced a new song in order to raise funds for the Care for Cancer charity in Omagh.

Larry has composed the song, entitled ‘I Need You’, alongside the charity over the past few months, in association with local singer Gerarda McCann and his bass player Piero Cardarelli (McGartland).

The songwriter’s family have a long-standing relationship with the Care for Cancer charity, and Larry was asked by its vice chairman, Ivan Gilmour, to compose a piece of music in order to raise awareness and highlight the difficulties they have faced as a charitable organisation during the pandemic.

“The lyrics were easy to write for me, as I have first-hand experience of losing a loved one to cancer – my younger sister Helen,” said Larry.

“Furthermore, Care for Cancer have been there for my family for some 30 years as my mother – a cancer survivor – worked as a volunteer there and benefited from their bespoke services.

“I know how important it is for cancer patients and their families to feel supported, loved and cared for during what are life’s most challenging days,” he added.

“My perspective for the song is that of a carer, where I let a loved one know just how important they are to me and that we are all together during the hardship and that our lives will all change and that there is always hope and never to give up.”

On the song itself, Larry said the inspiration came to him while he was out running, and was ably assisted by his musical partners Gerarda and Piero.

“The two main features of the music for me are firstly the incredible bassline and secondly the amazing vocal performances.

“Piero and Gerarda are so experienced and know exactly what they are doing, that their musicality is so evident in the final production. Unlike doing another cover version, which is not that difficult to be honest – creating something out of nothing is so challenging, that when it all works, there is nothing quite like it.”

The song has already featured on local radio and the hope is that the charity will benefit through donations made via their website.

The single is available on Spotify, Apple Music and the video can be viewed at Larry Lowe Music on Facebook and/or YouTube.