A moving song and heart-wrenching music video hopes to keep people optimistic for 2021 when it launches on New Year’s Eve.

The song Better Days has been recorded by musicians and singers across the south west to inspire people struggling in lockdown while also raising money for charity.

It is being released to coincide with the launch of Children’s Hospice South West’s 30th anniversary campaign.

“2020 has been tough on everyone,” said Gareth Bartlett who produced the song and video.

“I was lucky enough to have great musical friends to call on to create something that would be both an uplifting anthem for 2021, and raise funds for people who need support, but may not have much of a future.

“In 2019, while making video content for local media, I visited Little Harbour - a children's hospice in Cornwall. I met families going through hell but who had the most wonderful kindness from the staff and support of Children's Hospice South West. I saw for myself what a difference the care makes. And had no shortage of families wanting to tell me. I'll never forget their faces or their stories.

“But Covid-19 has created many additional challenges because of fear, lockdown and isolation. Like all charities at the moment, most of its sources of income have all but dried up. Staff are very concerned about the future and our ability to raise money to ensure that they can continue to deliver the support services to their children and families.

“So some friends and I decided to do what we could to help children across Cornwall, Devon and Somerset - and that meant a song and a video."

The song features singers including Britain’s Got Talent’s Josh Curnow, Even Nine’s Jody Martin, Holly Turton of Stone Roots, Three Minute Warning’s Paul Ray, Keith Howe of Blacktop Deluxe, vocalist Ruth McFarland and Ian Reynolds.

The music video, launching on New Year's Eve but available to media from Gareth's birthday on December 28, begins with scenes of empty public places and people wearing masks but ends with an explosion of happiness, showing events and moments many of us have not been able to experience - from weddings and sporting events to nights out with friends and nights in with loved ones.

“We hope it serves as a reminder that things will get better for most of us. But we also have to help those who need extra support and may never see normal again.”