Local songwriter Mick Lister pens song to raise cash for family of Carl Cavanagh

Carl heartbreakingly passed away on Saturday 19 October 2019 while taking part in the triathlon.

He left behind his wife Lizzie, and his four children who were described as 'his world'.

Mick Lister, a songwriter from Aylesbury has written for songs for bands as diverse as S Club Seven and Amy Winehouse.

He was approached by his longtime friend Matt Mansfield, a singer turned firefighter who worked with Carl at Heathrow Fire Service.

Matt told him the story of Carl Cavanagh and that the tight knit firefighter community were banding together to raise funds for Carl's wife Lizzie and four children.

Mick said he jumped at the chance to help out an old friend, and suggested they do a single to raise funds.

He said: "My old friend Matt told me about the tragic circumstances around Carl's death, it was very moving and I said of course i'd love to help.

"I hope the family can find some peace following such a tragic incident.

"I wrote the song and got in touch with a good friend Steve Balsamo who is probably best known for appearing in Jesus Christ Superstar.

"It was written from the point of view of Carl, speaking to his beloved wife Lizzie."

The record has been released on Mick's own record label, which he set up after a song he'd written for the film 'Simple Favour' was a hit, however people were unable to buy the song because Universal held the rights.

You can buy the record here for 99p, with all funds going to the Cavanagh family. Lizzie came down to the vocal sessions which were recorded in Wales.

Mick added: "The reaction has currently been amazing, and most importantly I think Lizzie and the family liked it.

"The vocal sessions down in Wales that she came along to were very moving, and Steve's vocals were amazing.

"Coupled with the poignancy of the music video, which shows some clips from Carl's life and funeral. Music and visuals together, it's very moving."

The single, titled 'Until the Day' currently sits atop of the Amazon Downloads Chart, keeping of multimillion record selling artists such as Dua Lipa at bay.

The song has been shared widely among the firefighting network, and the feedback has been positive, says Mick.

"I'm just glad everyone likes it. It's never easy writing a song from someone else's point of view, but i've been writing since I was 8 years old and hope everyone enjoys it.

"It's loosely based on Clapton's tears in heaven, which he penned after losing his son. The reaction so far has been amazing, please download it if you can!"

You can donate to the family by clicking here.