A TONGUE-in-cheek reworking of a David Bowie classic has been penned to pay tribute to famous fundraiser Captain Tom Moore and the country's NHS heroes.
For a bit of fun Tim Young (Labour, Greenstead) rewrote the lyrics to Bowie's iconic Space Oddity, focusing on the achievements of the 99-year-old fundraiser Captain Tom, rather than the original's space traveller Major Tom.
But after a bit of encouragement from some friends, Mr Young decided to try and get a some local musicians to record the track.
Blue Mean Eyes members Toby Powell and Lauren Bradford took on the challenge.
The pair published a video of them singing the song on their Facebook page, which has so far had more than 19,000 views, receiving rave reviews.
Mr Young said: "I think we’ve all been inspired by Captain Tom Moore and his courage, determination and messages of hope.
"It just came to me that Major Tom could be Captain Tom and, as an admirer of David Bowie, I rewrote the lyrics of Space Oddity just for fun really.
"I was encouraged to put them on Facebook so I did and it got a great reaction including from friends who said I ought to get someone to record it.
"Mo Powell suggested Toby and Lauren from Blue Mean Eyes and, when I saw what they’d done with it, I was blown away.
"It brought a lump to my throat. They are so talented."
Mr Young added: "The amount of views on Facebook has been phenomenal. All down to Captain Tom - we salute you, sir.”
Captain Tom Moore has raised more than £28 million for the NHS by walking lengths of his Bedfordshire garden.
He has become a national treasure, with more than 65,000 cards have been sent in preparation for his birthday on April 30.
To hear the song, visit facebook.com/bluemeaniesmate.
Lyrics: BILL ODDITY (SPACE ODDITY)
NHS to Captain Tom
NHS to Captain Tom
We‘re running short of pills, no visors to put on..
NHS to Captain Tom
Help us, put your medals on
Check your walker and we hope that you’ll come through
This is NHS to Captain Tom
It’s a really great idea
And the local paper wants a photo there
Now it’s time to start walking if you dare..
This is Captain Tom to NHS
I’m starting on my walk
And I’m hoping to raise a bit of cash
A thousand pounds may make a little splash
For here am I standing with my walker
Up for the task
I’m ninety nine years old
But I’m feeling very bold..
Though I’m past one hundred thousand pounds
I’m feeling very fit
And I think the money’s really going to flow
The TV crews are here all day, you know..
NHS to Captain Tom
You’re right on course
You’re going strong
Can you hear us, Captain Tom?
You’re a hero, Captain Tom
You’re a hero, Captain Tom
Carry on walking round your garden
InspIring the world
The virus made us blue
But you’ve shown us what to do...
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