Teen records charity single to raise money for The Christie

A teenager from Middleton who has been treated for a rare form of brain tumour has recorded a charity single about her experience to raise funds for The Christie.

Rebecca Fitzgibbon’s song ‘Standing in the Light’ is being used to raise vital funds for The Christie's Young Oncology Unit.

The song was written by a close family friend of Rebecca's called Kim Karma, a blues guitarist and vocalist.

Miss Fitzgibbon, 16, was diagnosed with craniopharygioma, an uncommon type of brain tumour, in September 2010. Following a brain operation to stabilise her and undertake a biopsy of the tumour, she underwent a six-week course of radiotherapy to stop the tumour from growing.

Despite being off school for most of the year, Miss Fitzgibbon still managed to get outstanding GCSE results, and is now studying for three A-levels at sixth form.

"Even though I was going through this negative experience, I was positive 100% of the time, which is what inspired the song," Miss Fitzgibbon explained. "I kept smiling throughout my hospital experience, and during radiotherapy treatment I made all the staff laugh. I don't know how I stayed so positive; the music definitely helped."

Miss Fitzgibbon's music tutor at the Young Oncology Unit, John Blaylock, secured some free time at the School of Sound Recording Studio in Manchester, and took other patients to play too. They recorded three versions of the song, all of which are available through Facebook for a donation.

Miss Fitzgibbon, who is also in a band with a number of other young Christie cancer patients called YOU62, said: "With a few words contributed by me, Kim captured exactly how I felt. We then pushed for it to be recorded, and are still pushing to raise money for other young people like me.

"I really want to give something back to Young Oncology Unit because it's been awesome. Everyone who works there is there for you.

"Nicola Roberts from Girls Aloud listened to the song when she came to The Christie in October. She said it was really good because when a song speaks the truth it's that much more hard hitting. I do hope other people enjoy it too."

John Blaylock, the music tutor within the Young Oncology Unit, said: "Music is incredibly powerful, and can really help patients while they are having treatment here. It enables them to take part in something that lifts the spirits. It's fun, and it can bring people together too.

"Rebecca is exceptionally talented and has a wonderful voice. It has been an absolute pleasure to have worked with her on the single."

Miss Fitzgibbon's consultant Dr Rao Gattamaneni added: "Rebecca is very lucky. This type of tumour can cause a lot of damage because of its location in the brain. But we managed to stop the tumour growing; it is under control and Rebecca is able to function normally. Her positive attitude has no doubt really helped her recovery - she really is an inspiration."

To download Miss Fitzgibbon's song visit: facebook.com/standinginthelight.