Charity single inspired by extraordinary young woman raises funds and awareness for Young Lives vs Cancer

A soldier from Salisbury has released a single, The Best of Us, in honour of his friend’s daughter, Becca, who was diagnosed with Wilms tumour at the age of 19 in 2024.

Garrick McMullin has written the song to help raise funds and awareness for Young Lives vs Cancer, the leading UK charity for children and young people with cancer (0-25) and their families. Garrick wanted to do something for the charity after hearing the support they have given his friend Mark and his family. Becca’s diagnosis came just weeks before she was due to start university, turning life upside down for her and her family.

Throughout Becca's treatment journey, Young Lives vs Cancer has been there to support the family, providing practical and emotional help when they needed it most.

Garrick said: “Becca’s courage and resilience really inspired me to write The Best of Us. Becca and her family living in St. Ives in Cornwall have had to travel to Bristol for treatment. The family were provided with accommodation and a Young Lives vs Cancer Home from Home to stay in so the family could be together during Becca’s treatment.

“This year, with Becca’s Dad Mark and another friend Jezza, we have really enjoyed raising funds by taking on the London Marathon, dressed as Pantomime Dames and then with my brother Alex, we all walked the gruelling 100km Jurassic Coast Challenge. As part of our support to the charity in Becca’s name, we would love it if people could download the song where 100% goes to Young Lives vs Cancer.”

From the moment of diagnosis, Young Lives vs Cancer’s specialist social workers provide day-to-day support for each child, young person and family.

The charity provides accommodation close to hospitals where families can stay together during treatment for free, like Becca and Mark’s family, and grants to help families navigate the costs of cancer.

Last year in Wiltshire, Young Lives vs Cancer helped 76 young people with cancer and their families get the support they needed. On average, families of a child with cancer have to pay out £700 extra a month on extra costs such as travel to and from hospital, food and clothing.

Liz Blunt, Senior Fundraising and Engagement Manager for Young Lives vs Cancer, said: “We are hugely grateful for all the wonderful fundraising by Garrick, Mark and Jezza. It’s really special that Garrick has used his talents to write a wonderful song for Becca to help children and young people with cancer, and we can’t thank him enough for his incredible support.

“Young Lives vs Cancer relies on charitable donations to fund their vital work supporting children and young people facing cancer and their families across the UK. We would love to see the community’s support with downloading this special charity single.”

You can download or stream The Best of Us on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/track/6NoLIgaZc9Sv9DMFAuUjAC

For more information about Young Lives vs Cancer’s work, go to www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk