A STUDENT at Plymouth University has composed an emotive song which he hopes will raise funds for the nation's injured servicemen and women.
Christopher Bevan, who is studying for a psychology degree, composed 'Memories of You' as a way to recognise the efforts of our armed forces personnel.
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YOUNG COMPOSER: Plymouth University student Christopher Bevan has composed a song which will be premiered at the Diamond Jubilee Proms concert
The song is now being sold online to raise money for the Help for Heroes appeal to fund a number of new recovery centres across the country, and will be performed live for the first time at a concert in Plymouth over the Diamond Jubilee weekend.
The 20-year-old said: "I composed the piece to make the public aware that there are thousands of people willing to give their lives for something they believe.
"Whether we think the war is right or wrong, these men and women do their duty and would take a bullet for any one of us despite the fact they have never met us."
Christopher's love affair with music began at the age of seven, and while his main passion is composing he also sings and plays the piano.
He has been a member of several youth choirs and written several compositions in the past, but says the inspiration for his latest work was listening to a family member talk about his experiences in Afghanistan.
"My aunt's partner told us how he once ran across the Afghan desert, with his best friend on his back after he lost both his legs," he added.
"The friend died while he was being carried. He will live with this trauma for the rest of his life, yet he still has the courage to go about his everyday life, and he is just one of hundreds of examples of people affected in this way."
The song has been recorded by soprano Lucy Watmough, who went to school with Christopher in Leeds, with the lyrics by Micki Stokoe.
It will be performed live for the first time by international mezzo soprano Juliette Pochin at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Proms Concert, being held at St Andrew's Minster Church in the city centre on Saturday June 2.
And continuing the royal theme, the song has received the personal approval of the Duke of Edinburgh after Christopher sent him a copy.
He said: "We received a letter from Buckingham Palace saying the Duke had enjoyed listening to the song and wished us every success.
"We sent a copy to several members of the Royal family because of their connection to the Forces, and to receive something back was fantastic."
'Memories of You', sung by Lucy Watmough, can be purchased on iTunes, Amazon, HMV and many other retailers.
The video for the song can also be viewed on YouTube.
The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Proms Concert, being arranged by Peninsula Arts, will also feature the Ten Tors Orchestra and University of Plymouth Choral Society.
Tickets cost £12, with concessions available for children and students.
For tickets call 01752 585050 or through visit: www.peninsula-arts.co.uk.