Dinnington: Plumber turns musician with charity Christmas single

The song, called Santa Clause, am I naughty or nice? has been released by father-of-two Paul Ballington to support the charityParents’ Association of Children with Tumours and Leukaemia (PACT).

Paul decided to pick up his guitar after hearing the story of a little girl in his son’s class, whose family had been supported by the charity.

The song writing plumber even drafted in the help of the girl’s friends by getting her class at Anston Park Infant School to sing the chorus.

Paul said: “I have always wanted to write a Christmas song but I have never got round to doing it so when I heard about the support the family had received from PACT and the difference it had made to them, I just wanted to do something to help.”

“The kids were amazing and it was great to get them all involved and watch the excitement when they recorded their lines. Each and every one of them was a true professional.”

The 36-year-old has been writing songs on and off for 15 years, starting with little ditties and birthday songs for friends and family.

More recently he has begun writing tailor made songs for any occasion such as birthdays and weddings and it was only a matter of time before he set his sights on climbing up the charts with a Christmas song.

Paul added: “Hopefully my song will raise some much needed money for PACT to support other families who are dealing with childhood cancer.”

“I love singing and making people laugh and hopefully the light hearted lyrics will put a smile on people’s faces this Christmas.”

PACT was founded in 1977 - with a donation of £113 - when eight parents created a support group for families whose children had cancer. Its aim was to start raising funds for a Christmas party and a summer trip for the children.

Over the years the charity has expanded its remit to include children with leukaemia and today raise money to support the provision of equipment and facilities for families. It aims to provide an invaluable source of both practical and emotional support for children and their families throughout their contact with the oncology unit.

Robin Jeeps, trustee and vice-chairman of PACT, said: “We think the song is a great idea and a fabulous way to raise awareness of PACT and the work we do for children and their families, especially at this time of the year when he can put a smile on people’s faces as well.”

“We wish him all the best with his song and hope to see him on top of the charts in four weeks”.

Rachel Turton, class teacher and music coordinator at Anston Park Infant School, said: “I was really pleased for myself and my class to be part of raising money for such a worthwhile cause. The children loved the funny lyrics in the song and thoroughly enjoyed singing it.”

The song is available to buy now for 89p from both Amazon and iTunes. All proceeds will go to PACT.

The video is also available to watch on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-K6hxoDEwM