A FORMER pop singer and army entertainer is hoping to raise cash for blinded soldiers with a song inspired by repatriation ceremonies.

Brave One, written by Roger Simmonds, 69, of Blackwood, is set to be recorded by Risca Male Voice Choir at Raglan barracks in Newport.

Mr Simmonds, who was a singer signed to Decca records in the 1960s, wrote the poem the song is based on after he saw fallen soldiers being brought through Wootton Bassett on TV.

After the singer, who also performed in entertainment tours with the US and British military before he retired in the 1990s, was asked to turn the poem into a song, Mr Simmonds approached Risca Male Voice choir to record it.

He said the words of the song has also been approved St Dunstan’s organisation, which runs homes for soldiers blinded in action.

Sales of the song, set to be available online in a month or so, will be used to raise cash for the charity.

Mr Simmonds said he’d like to thank the choir’s musical director Martin Hodson for helping with the project.

“It’s a big honour for me to have Risca Male Voice Choir record the song,” he said.

Brave One

 

Never giving up but standing strong
Fighting hard to right the wrong
Loved ones praying that it won’t be long
To have you home where you belong.

Never to forget the price you paid
For freedom’s path is won not made
And peace on earth must surely be
When every soul on earth is free.