Uncle sings for Thomas (From This Is Wiltshire)

A CHARITY single released in the memory of Thomas Fairfield is raising money to support Dorothy House Hospice Care.

The track, It Is What It Is, recorded by Thom’s uncle, Rod Clayton-Smith, was recorded after Mr Fairfield died in November, following a three-year battle with cancer.

The song, which costs £2 to buy, has been released as a tribute, but also to raise funds for the Winsley hospice that offered support to parents Mick and Hilary as they cared for Mr Fairfield at their home in Dilton Marsh.

Mr Clayton-Smith said: “I mentioned, after Thom died, that he’s inspired me to write a song and the family liked it and mentioned the idea of releasing it to help the work of Dorothy House.

“I think the song and the fundraising, in general, has actually given Thom’s mum something to focus her time on at a hugely difficult time.”

The track’s title is a saying that Mr Fairfield used regularly during his illness.

It is the latest charity activity his family have carried out in his memory.

Mr Clayton-Smith said: “Thom was just a kind, loving and generous bloke.

“I was there when he was born and I never expected to be there when he died. It was a very tough day and just a very wrong thing to have happened.”

So far, more than £8,000 has been raised by Mr Fairfield’s family and friends for Dorothy House, with more events planned.

At the start of last month, a team of 36 took part in the charity’s annual Santa Dash at the Winsley hospice’s base, while Mr Fairfield’s son, eight-year-old Ashton, held two cake sales to honour his father and grandfather, Nigel Crew, 55, who died last year.

Ashton’s mother, Laura Fair-field, who lives with the Mead Primary School pupil in Paxcroft Mead, said: “Ashton’s still hoping to do a sponsored cycle ride with his friends.

“We are just looking at getting a few adults to cycle with them. He’s doing okay at the minute but, obviously, this is a difficult time of the year for all us.

“I’m really pleased with Rod’s song. It is lovely and I was actually quite surprised to find it was Rod singing on it. It reminds me of the sort of thing Thom would have done for someone, as he was very musical.”

If anyone would like to buy It Is What It Is, email Mr Clayton-Smith at rodclaytonsmith@ hotmail.co.uk.