Stevie becomes a chart-topper

A TEENAGER living with a rare, life-limiting disease has become a chart-topper after playing her part in a No 1 record.

Stevie Taylor (13) was among a group of youngsters with the rare and terminal neurodegenerative condition Batten Disease invited to sing on a Christmas charity single.

Wath Academy student Stevie and her fellow young singers backed musician David McGovern on his cover of the New Kids On The Block song “This One’s For The Children”, which became the last physical number one of 2022.

The song was released in aid of the Batten Disease Family Association, which aims to support those with the disease to live full lives, while raising awareness of the condition and funding future research to identify potential therapies and cures.

Dad Paul, of Packman Way, West Melton, said: “It all happened really quickly.

“We had a message saying a single was going out and they wanted Stevie to be involved.

“We were a bit surprised by it but Stevie has just taken it in her stride.

“They sent us a copy of the backing track and asked us to record Stevie’s voice. It was all done over WhatsApp.

“Then, when the single was finished, they sent us a copy before it went out. We could make out Stevie’s voice on there.”

He added: “The single did amazingly well. The chart is based on streams, downloads and physical singles.

“I think we were more amazed than Stevie when it got to number one.”

Paul and wife Karen are in the process of refurbishing a bungalow in West Melton where they can offer better care for Stevie, who was diagnosed withe Batten Disease in 2018 and is expected to become increasingly disabled, with sufferers’ symptoms including sight and speech loss, epilepsy and dementia.

Despite her diagnosis, Paul said Stevie was in good health and had just taken up horse riding.

He said the single was vital to raise awareness of the condition and help the BDFA, which he said had supported the family since Stevie’s diagnosis.

Head to tinyurl.com/BattenSingleYT to hear the song and visit tinyurl.com/Battensingle to buy a copy.

More information about the BDFA can be found at www.bdfa-uk.org.uk.

Our picture shows the single cover. David McGovern is standing to the left and Stevie is next to him.