Graduate aims for Christmas number one to support The Walton Centre
Accounting and Finance graduate creates Christmas single in community-wide effort to raise funds for specialist neurosciences hospital
A University of Liverpool alumnus is asking fellow graduates to help him reach Christmas number one to raise vital funds for The Walton Centre - the specialist Liverpool hospital that saved his friend's life.
Sam Leonard, who graduated in Accounting and Finance in 2019, has recorded a Christmas single with his band Idle Lies, with 100% of proceeds going to The Walton Centre Charity. The single, Next Christmas You'll Be Home, was created after the hospital's neurosurgical team saved the life of Sam's friend Daniel Parsonage, who suffered a life-threatening brain haemorrhage last summer.
Money raised from the single will fund the 'home from home' relatives' accommodation at The Walton Centre, providing somewhere for families and friends of patients to stay while they undergo treatment. This facility allows loved ones to stay close by in a comfortable environment during incredibly difficult times.
Download and support the single here >
Sam’s time at the University
Sam's musical journey began during his time at Liverpool, where he founded Idle Lies and was part of the University's Band Society. After winning the University's Battle of the Bands competition, Sam developed a deep connection to Liverpool's vibrant music scene – a connection that would later inspire this charitable endeavour.
"My favourite experience was starting this band and becoming part of the music culture in Liverpool," Sam recalls. "The University shaped my personality, being in such a diverse new place with lots of different interests and cultures."
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Now based in North Wales, for Sam, the project represents everything he learned at Liverpool about community, creativity and using your skills to make a difference. Next Christmas You’ll Be Home features vocalist Ewan Smith alongside children from Holy Name Catholic Primary School in Fazakerley.
Stream and share the single to support >
Dan’s story
In July 2024, Daniel Parsonage collapsed at the Hawarden Festival where he was preparing to perform with the Urban Fusion street dance group he teaches. The Walton Centre's specialist neurosurgical team performed two urgent operations to control the bleed and save Dan's life.
While Dan continues his recovery in hospital on the Wirral, his friends, family and community have rallied around this fundraising effort.
"After speaking with Dan's family, we wanted to do something to help The Walton Centre for the amazing care they gave him," said Sam.
"He wouldn't be here with us this Christmas without them. The lyrics of this song are a message to Dan to show him the support he has from all of us, and to give him something positive and enjoyable to be a part of over the next few months as he continues his recovery."
The single was recorded at Liverpool's iconic Motor Museum studio, which has hosted artists including Oasis, The 1975 and Jake Bugg.
The power of community
The response has been overwhelming. Schools across North Wales and Liverpool have created their own versions of the song, designed posters, and developed additional fundraising initiatives.
Madeleine Fletcher, Head of Fundraising for The Walton Centre Charity, said: "What Idle Lies have done is nothing short of incredible! The single is amazing, and we are blown away by the response from communities, not only in North Wales, but in Merseyside too."
How you can help
Sam is asking the University of Liverpool alumni community to download the single from iTunes or Amazon, where multiple versions are available for less than £1 each. The song is also available on Spotify, YouTube and all streaming platforms, which helps raise awareness even if it generates less for The Walton Centre.
Talking about his hopes for the song, Sam said: "I hope that anyone going through a situation like this where someone isn't with you this year for Christmas can take some comfort and hope for the future.”
Download Next Christmas You'll Be Home and support The Walton Centre Charity >