Primary Education students launch Christmas single to raise funds for charity

A group of trainee teachers and staff at the University of Derby have recorded a Christmas single to raise funds for children’s charity Barnardo’s. 

Ten Primary Education students, along with three of their lecturers, have recorded their version of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” to boost a total of more than £47,000 raised by the University for the charity over the last seven years to help young and vulnerable children.

Lead singer Hannah Garner, who is a member of Derbyshire musical duo Miss 600, came up with the idea and encouraged fellow students to join in with recording the “popular upbeat Christmas song”.

The single is now available for people to download for free when they make a minimum donation of 99p to Barnardo’s through online fundraising platform, Just Giving.  

Hannah, 24, said: “People happily download music tracks for 99p online so we decided to offer people a festive song for free with a minimum of a 99p donation.

“We thought it would be an activity to get us all excited for Christmas and something different from the usual fundraising activities we usually get involved in.

“For many of the ladies who took part, it was their first experience in the recording studio and they all said they got real enjoyment from it.

“Mariah Carey’s song is such a classic Christmas tune which people know the words to so that’s why we chose it. We hope people will dig deep into their pockets – they will have the festive feeling of giving and a Christmas song to go with it!”

The staff and students spent three hours recording the song in the University’s Markeaton Street recording studios.

The song came as part of a charity week this week organised by Primary Education students for their degree programme. Activities included a bake sale at Derby train station, a quiz night and a 'Bring and Buy' stall.

Dionne Barton, BEd Primary Education Programme Leader, said: “It was such good fun recording the song. It demonstrates the commitment and dedication of our students to teaching and to helping children.

“It also shows that our students are innovative, inspirational and independent thinkers, they are motivated, have excellent attitudes and want to make a difference. They are willing to give up their time as well as studying on a demanding programme.”

Jane Harries, Barnardo’s Community Fundraising Manager, said: “It’s fantastic to see University students and staff supporting Barnardo’s this Christmas. Their cover song has a really lovely, festive feel to it and everyone involved should feel proud of their efforts.

“We hope people will get behind their Christmas fundraising appeal; with their help Barnardo’s can continue to support and protect more children and young people in their communities.

“No matter how large or small your donation, it can make a difference to a young person’s life. Every donation is appreciated and together can have a huge impact on the lives of children and young people.

“From early years’ services and support for parents; to work with young people who are victims of sexual exploitation; to support for young people leaving care, the diversity of Barnardo’s work is extraordinary.”

To donate and download the song, visit: www.justgiving.com/HANNAH-GARNER4

For more information about studying BEd (Hons) Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status at the University of Derby, visit: www.derby.ac.uk/courses/primary-education-qts-bed-hons/