A SINGER-songwriter based in Malvern is hoping to raise £1,000 for Cancer Research UK with the release of her latest single.

Carol Lee Sampson wrote Hallelujah is our Song after reading an article in the Malvern Gazette about Denise Inge, the wife of the Bishop of Worcester, who died at Easter after battling cancer.

She said: "Many of the songs I write begin with a seed idea, which sits there germinating in my head, often for weeks, before it eventually becomes a full-blown song."

In this case, the seed was reading that when Mrs Inge heard she had cancer, her response to it was "Whatever happens, Hallelujah is our song."

"Those words seemed to jump off the page and hit me to the core," said Carol. "My best friend is currently battling the same disease, and I knew that this phrase was going to be the title for a song that I would write for her."

The single was recorded at Tower Studios in Pershore, produced by Dave Draper, who also produced Carol's most recent album Bigger Picture, which has received many positive reviews.

Carol has recorded eight albums to date, including one with guitar legend Gordon Giltrap called Echoes of Heaven.

As well as releasing the single in downloadable form, Carol has also put the song on a CD, which includes six songs from recent albums, all about relatives and friends who have died.

She said: "It's lovely to be able to piece together some of my favourite songs all in one place, and these particular ones have a very special meaning, written from the heart, for people who are no longer with us."

The record has already raised some £450 in not much more than two weeks, and Carol hopes to hit the £1,000 mark.

She said: "We feel so helpless when cancer attacks those we love and care for. This is a small way that I'm trying to help."

She is planning to go back into the studio in November to begin her next project.

She said: "I love writing songs that people can relate to. Life's journey takes us through many ups and downs and I want to write the songs to help them through."

To buy the song, visit carolleesampson.co.uk or to donate, visit justgiving.com/Carol-Sampson.