Steven’s memory lives on in music

BY TOBY PORTER toby@slpmedia.co.uk

The family of a young cancer patient who died in September, aged 20, have released a song, composed by him, to honour his memory.

The tune by Steven Hughes, from Peckham, has been mastered by legendary music producer Stuart Epps, who has worked with the likes of Elton John and Oasis.

Steven’s family are honouring his memory by asking people to listen to this song and donate to their fundraising page, with all proceeds going to the CLIC Sargent Music Programme.

Steven’s mum, Tammy Jane, said: “We were in a state of shock when Steven was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in February 2017.

The cancer was so aggressive he soon became unresponsive to treatment and sadly passed away in September the same year.”

During this extremely difficult time, Steven and his family received support from CLIC Sargent.

Steven’s CLIC Sargent social worker at Guy’s Hospital supported Steven and his family throughout his treatment, going the extra mile by providing him with an iPad during his hospital stays, arranging tickets for him to see his beloved Arsenal and organising a once in a lifetime holiday for the whole family.

Tammy Jane said: “We are not sure how we would have coped without their support.

Our social worker was always there to talk to and did everything she could to make Steven comfortable.” Steven was an extremely talented and keen musician and towards the end of his treatment he asked his family to help support other young musicians with cancer and to spread the joy of music.

After Steven’s passing, Tammy approached the CLIC Sargent music programme to discuss how Steven’s wish could become a reality.

Steven had composed and recorded an instrumental track and had put a call out for singers to complete the song. Thanks to CLIC Sargent, a singer was found and Stevens’s song was created in his memory.

Every penny raised in Steven’s name will go towards the CLIC Sargent Music Programme, which provides a range of opportunities for 16-24 year old budding singers and musicians with cancer, including one-to-one tuition and group residential workshops, recording studio experience and performance opportunities.

Natalie Holmes, a singer-songwriter and one of the programme’s music leaders who has written the lyrics and sings on the track My Soul’s Awake ,said: “I couldn’t believe the quality of the composition.

“He clearly had a very unique creative talent, and it was an absolute pleasure to be able to finish the song for Steven.”

Stuart Epps, who has worked with artists such as George Harrison and Robbie Williams, and who has supported CLIC Sargent in the past and was approached to master the final edit said: “It was an honour to be involved in Steven’s song, in memory of such an inspirational young man and in order to raise awareness and funds for CLIC Sargent’

Tammy Jane said: “Music was his passion and Steven would be over the moon to know that his song is out there while at the same time supporting other young musicians with cancer.

“It’s also very personal to us as family as it was played it at his funeral.”

Steven went to The Norwood School in Crown Dale, West Norwood, and made a huge impact during his time as a pupil.

As well as being a talented musician, Steven was a perfect student, achieving top marks in his exams and being awarded most talented student in his year.

Steven left such a legacy that there is even an award named after him, The Steven Hughes Award for Excellence in Performing Arts.

Steven also ran for Lambeth youth mayor and came 5th out of hundreds of applicants.

Sharon Wise, Steven’s former music teacher, said: “Steven was an amazing musical talent who was truly inspirational.

“A quiet, kind and non-assuming personality who would help younger students with their music. “Steven didn’t realise how much they looked up to him.”

To listen for free, to go Steven’s Soundcloud at https://soundcloud.com/stevenhughesuk/my-souls-awake, and to donate, go to the fundraising page https://www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/stevenhughesfund.