Actor Adrian Dunbar has shared his support for a song written by Northern Irish man Davy Kettyles, which is seeking to raise money for NHS charity 'Asks For Masks'.
The song comes after Dunbar and other members of the Line of Duty cast appeared in a BBC clip recently to ask the public to participate in the 'Asks for Masks' auction.
Adrian's childhood friend, Davy Kettyles - a singer/songwriter and recording artist - was watching the clip and had an idea for how to help.
Shortly afterwards, Davy contacted Adrian to enlist support in promoting his charity single, 'No Tears at Your Grave'.
The song is a lament for the frontline workers who lost their lives in the “ line of duty ” during the Covid-19 crisis. The song’s title 'No Tears at Your Grave' acknowledges the pain of families and friends who have been unable to mourn together or attend their loved ones’ funerals due to lockdown restrictions.
Endorsing the initiative, Adrian said: “This Sunday, July 5 is the 72 anniversary of the founding of the NHS. As a national institution, it has never been more loved. When Davy Kettyles, my friend for almost fifty years, asked me to help promote his song ‘No Tears at Your Grave’ I was only too pleased to do so.
"The song commemorates the ‘essential’ workers who have died in the line of duty during the Covid-19 crisis and acknowledges, not only the pain of their passing by their families and friends, but also the absence of the wake, family and communally gathering by the graveside due to covid-19 restrictions.”
Commenting on the song release, Davy Kettyles said, “I am very proud of the song. Kathrine Dunne, an amazingly talented Fermanagh woman, plays viola on it, and Ian Smith recorded her at his studio in Tempo. The fact that Adrian Dunbar got on board was brilliant.
"The first thoughts about writing the song came to me when I saw the photographs of the funeral of Ann Best in Derrylin in late March. It’s was such a moving sight. Buried without her husband Tom, family, friends or neighbours. I just found it heartbreaking.
"Although the lyrics of the song highlight the sacrifice of the ‘essential’ workers who died in the line of duty, it’s a song that will resonate with everyone who has lost a friend or loved one during this period of time. It will also feature of my new album ‘The Great Red Wall’ to be released in August.”
Sales of the download single will be donated to ‘Asks For Masks’ to assist in the provision of essential protective equipment for those working in healthcare services.
The download single will be released on July 5, the 72 anniversary of the founding of the NHS, and will be available for purchase on all download platforms on that day.
