Simon RushworthTwo of the most powerful voices in rock have joined forces to help fill a £5m gap in cancer funding caused by the coronavirus crisis.
Chart-topping duo and best friends Bonnie Tyler and Lorraine Crosby have re-released punchy power ballad Through Thick And Thin (I’ll Stand By You).
And all proceeds from the reworked live favourite will go to Teenage Cancer Trust after the charity was forced to cancel this year’s fundraising concerts at the Royal Albert Hall.
Crosby shot to fame as the female voice on Meat Loaf’s mega hit I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That).
And it was her contribution to the 1993 chart topper that sparked a lasting friendship with Total Eclipse Of The Heart singer Tyler.
“We first met 25 years ago and just hit it off straight away,” said Crosby, who still tours the world and is in the process of recording a new album with partner Stuart Emerson at the couple’s home studio.
“Back in the mid 90s Bonnie was hoping to write some new songs with Jim Steinman, who was my manager at the time.
“Jim couldn’t help but he told her about me and Stuart. He told Bonnie we were a songwriting team and that she should check us out.
“We ended up contributing to her Free Spirit album and the time I spent with Bonnie back then was the catalyst for Through Thick And Thin.”
Crosby has actively supported Teenage Cancer Trust for more than a decade and when a mutual friend revealed the extent of the funding crisis facing the charity she was keen to act.
A quick call to Tyler followed and the pair agreed to re-release Through Thick And Thin and feature recovering cancer patients in a heart-warming video.
“I couldn’t be prouder of Lorraine’s idea of releasing this duet in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust,” said Tyler.
“I’m so happy she decided to do it. I hope the single can help TCT to continue being there, through thick and thin.
“The lyrics say it all right now as we all need to support each other through difficult times.
“If anyone needs a hero now, it’s young people with cancer. They’re going through some of the toughest moments of their lives and support from Teenage Cancer Trust’s nurses and youth support teams is needed more than ever. Through thick and thin.”
The video cuts between footage of Tyler and Crosby performing live and clips of young people, who have been supported by Teenage Cancer Trust, adding their own voices to a poignant statement of intent.
“I cried when I saw the finished video,” said Crosby. “It was very emotional. I wrote that song after being inspired by Bonnie but it’s taken on a whole new meaning.
“The kids are so great and – spoiler alert – there are even a couple of incredibly cute dogs making a cameo appearance!
“Watching the video for the first time was both upsetting and uplifting. I think that’s the best way to describe it.
“It made me cry and it made me smile. Of course, there’s the strong personal connection that I have to Bonnie and to Through Thick And Thin but now it’s something more than that.
“I feel the pain of the young people who contributed but there’s also a very positive message in there: Teenage Cancer Trust is there for them and their families through thick and thin.
“It’s inconceivable to think that the charity is facing such a shortfall in funding due to the cancellation of their Royal Albert Hall concerts and events like the London Marathon.
“If sales of Through Thick And Thin can make even the smallest contribution then Bonnie and I will be so, so proud.”
Each day, seven young people aged between 13 and 24 hear the words ‘you have cancer’. Teenage Cancer Trust’s specialist nurses, support teams, and hospital units work within the NHS to provide young people with expert care and support, throughout their cancer treatment and beyond.
During the current crisis, young people with cancer are more isolated than ever, and the charity has been rapidly working behind the scenes to continue to offer them the support they need, whilst also working alongside NHS colleagues to respond to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Kate Collins, Chief Executive at Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “We can’t thank Bonnie and Lorraine enough for their support.
“Cancer isn’t stopping for the coronavirus and neither is Teenage Cancer Trust – right now young people with cancer are feeling more isolated than ever and they’ve never needed us more.
“We rely on donations for all our work and our income this year could drop by as much as 50%. We’ve launched an urgent fundraising appeal so we can raise the £5m needed so we can continue our work in 2020.
“Thank you to Bonnie and Lorraine for standing by us – as we do for young people with cancer for as long as they need us.”
Through Thick And Thin (I’ll Stand By You), released by AWAL/Kobalt, is available from May 15 on iTunes and all digital platforms. 100% of all profits will go to Teenage Cancer Trust.