Tiptree pair want to say thanks for efforts during Covid

Trudy and Simon Gilson have collaborated to produce a thought-provoking video highlighting the service’s great work during the pandemic.

Mrs Gilson wrote the words, which started as a poem, and called it Into the Light.

Husband Simon, who works in the music industry, then worked his magic to turn it into a moving song.

Now the pair, who live in Tiptree, are hoping for national airtime and support from TV and radio giants like Zoe Ball, Chris Evans, Michael Ball, Lorraine Kelly and This Morning hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby.

Mrs Gilson, 50, said: “I'm a healthcare worker in my local community and have just got a job as a healthcare assistant for the NHS.

“It’s something I’m extremely proud of and, a few weeks ago, I was struggling to get to sleep, thinking about the troubled times we’re living in and the impact it’s having on everyone.

“These are extremely challenging times for everyone but especially frontline staff and key workers.

“I decided to put my thoughts into a poem, which I posted on several social media platforms.

“There was such an amazing and positive response.

“I was surprised and that’s when I started wondering what more I could do.

“I decided to have it adapted into a charity song for the NHS.

Working his magic - Simon Gilson

“With Simon’s help, my words were adapted into a song and we came up with Into the Light.”

Mr Gilson, 57, has been in the music industry all his life.

He started playing the drums when he was six and went onto get a degree at London's Trinity School of Music.

He has been heavily involved in teaching and recording and more recently returned to song-writing and producing.

“Simon has turned my words into something special and it’s we’re both proud of it,” added Mrs Gilson.

"I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the help and support of Simon, my son, Ben, and Alisha Gunn, who put the video together for me.

“It’s a reflection of what’s going on in the world and the message is that if we pull together, we will get through this.

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“Hopefully, we can raise as much money as possible.

“I’ll be posting it on Spotify, with all proceeds going to the NHS.

“It’ll also be available to view on YouTube and Facebook, with links enabling people to donate to my JustGiving page.

“I haven’t got a target but want to raise as much as possible.

“I’ve already emailed a few radio stations, plus Phil and Holly, Lorraine Kelly, Michael Ball, Zoe Ball and BBC Radio Essex."

To watch the video on YouTube, head HERE.

To make a donation and visit Mrs Gilson’s JustGiving page, head HERE.

Hard at work - Simon Gilson has spent his whole life in the music industry