Former radio journalist hopes reworked song will raise funds for Peterborough hospice

Former Hereward radio journalist Jonathan Craymer is hoping to raise funds for the Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice emergency appeal with a song he’s recorded Watch video below

Inspired by the VE Day celebrations, he's updated the words to Keep the Home Fires Burning for lockdown - and he hopes money can be raised for the hospice.

He said: “We’re as much at war with this deadly virus as we were fighting our enemies in the two world wars.

"I’ve always found the tune of this song so moving and inspiring. I wanted to adapt the words, calling for a new future. However, I appreciate that due to terminal illness, sadly some don’t have a future to look forward to at all, while those caring for them are struggling with a potential shortfall due to the virus.

“I’m hoping anyone who cares about all this as I do, will listen to Keep the Home Fires Burning (2020) and feel moved to support the valuable work of Thorpe Hall.”

To donate, visit hereThe revised lyrics are:

Keep the home fires burning

While your hearts are yearning

Stand against this deadly foe

Help protect those we know.

There’s a silver lining

Through the dark clouds shining

Turn the dark cloud inside out

‘Til we’re safe again.

Shield our fearless carers

Guard all frontline workers

Protect them as they quash their fears

Like heroes through the years.

Guard all those we hold dear

‘Til they can return here.

Turn the dark cloud inside out

‘Til we’re safe again.

Raise our spirits higher

Light our hearts on fire

Set our sights on victory

We’ll win, you’ll see!

Give us new tomorrows

Drive away our sorrows

Turn the dark cloud inside out

‘Til we’re safe again.

© Tune: Ivor Novello; Original lyrics: Lena Ford; Amended lyrics: Jonathan Craymer 2020