Charity Album for Mercy Ships

Local musician Bill Brown (69) from Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, has recorded a charity album to help improve the lives of children and adults in West Africa. 

Hope on the Horizon is a collection of 13 original tracks of Christian music by Bill, who has been playing music in bands for over 40 years and supported Eric Clapton at the start of his career, as well as bands such as the Fortunes and Barron Nights.

The charity album will be sold in aid of Mercy Ships, to support its work in providing free medical care and humanitarian aid to some of the world’s poorest people. 

Having heard about the charity after watching a video of the work of Mercy Ships, Brown said he felt inspired to give something back to those in need.  He decided to compose a CD to raise money and boost awareness of the charity. 

His songs, such as ‘Hope on the Horizon’ and ‘Heal this Land’, reflect the charity’s ethos of bringing hope and healing to the world's forgotten poor.

Brown’s work has been inspired by Christian musicians and songwriters Paul Field, of Burning Questions fame whose songs have been recorded by various artists from around the world, and Graham Kendrick, known for writing the words and music for the song, Shine, Jesus, Shine, one of the most widely heard songs in contemporary Christian worship worldwide.

Bill said: “Since my retirement I’ve had more spare time on my hands and so I decided to dedicate my time and efforts on raising awareness of this fantastic cause. The Africa Mercy is an incredible vessel and a symbol of hope to many suffering people who are born into poverty and have no access to healthcare. 

“I hope to continue with my fundraising efforts and get a team together this year to visit churches talking about Mercy Ships and to perform some of the songs on the charity album.”

Bill will be attending a Mercy Ships presentation at the Christian Resources Exhibition, Westpoint Arena, Exeter, today (26th January) at 12.00pm - 1.30pm, where the album will be also be on sale.  The CD can also be purchased by contacting Mercy Ships on 01438 727800.  Price £4.