Cosham songwriting nurse aims to support fellow health workers through charity song for Florence Nightingale Foundation
A MUSICIAN has combined his love of songwriting and his passion for healthcare to support his fellow nurses through a charity track.
Songwriter and freelance nurse practitioner Richard Palmer is working on releasing a song called I Will Shine4U to raise funds for the Florence Nightingale Foundation.
Richard, from Cosham, plans to donate all profits from the song to the foundation, which provides scholarships for nurses and midwives.
A selection of songs was written by Richard 20 years ago, and he has decided to rewrite his lyrics to create I Will Shine4U and give back to a good cause.
Richard, who has been a nurse since 2000, said: ‘One of the songs was called I Don’t Need People. I wanted to turn it on its head and make it more upbeat and relevant for today because we all need people.
‘It sounds like an anthem that people can sing along to and remember. It's about caring for people and how there’s always someone there for you, even if you don’t realise it.
‘Music is a big part of my life and so is my work, putting them both together is my ideal. I have absolutely loved it, it’s brought all my skills together.’
The plan is to release the song on international nurses' day on May 12, which is Florence Nightingale’s birthday.
Richard is currently working with local artists to record the track, including some of his colleagues who have formed the Portsmouth Primary Care Alliance choir.
Richard, who has played the guitar since he was a young child, said: ‘I’m just so pleased that so many people have offered their time for free and given their performance for free to put on the track.
‘I love what the Florence Nightingale Foundation does, it has been supporting nurses for more than 100 years. During the pandemic, they have really stepped up to help all the nurses and are there for them.
‘They’re there as a support network. If anyone’s deserving, they are.’
The community has been creating artwork inspired by the song to be used as part of the project, and Richard is always looking for more people to take part.
To find out more, or to get in contact with Richard to hear the demo of the song, find The Shine4U Project on Facebook.
