A pop star in the making, 11-year-old Fynnjan Leach-Verhoeven who suffers from Asperger syndrome has recorded a charity single in a bid to become Christmas number one.
Fynnjan wrote ‘The Spirit of Christmas’ in his head when he was bored, despite not being able to play any instruments or ever having shown any particular interest in music.
The song came to light last December in Beaconsfield, England, when Fynnjan performed the song publicly for the first time at Seer Green CE primary school’s annual Christmas concert.
It was the first time his family had heard him sing.
Now the world can enjoy listening to Fynnjan and his thirty class mates, help in his effort to become The Christmas No. 1, while helping to raise awareness and money for people with Asperger syndrome, like him.
‘The Spirit of Christmas’ will be available as a single or as an iTunes download and the Proceeds will be donated to the National Autistic Society, as well as his school’s special needs department.
That boy sure needs all the encouragement that he can get and I am glad that you are posting about this record.
I listen to his interview on BBC Radio 4 this morning, that spurred me on to write the post.
Unfortunately I can’t hear it unless I download it!
Nick, can you not listen to the link above for a taster?
Ah, I can hear it now!
Brilliant!
It’s a sweet song.
But it bothers me that he wants to be “No. 1” ~ why compete for “No. 1” rather than just singing a song that can be sung?
Nancy, the aim of reaching ‘No. 1’, is to raise more money for the National Autistic Society, as well as his school’s special needs department.
You’re right.
He’s actually not bothered about no1 or attention or even anyone hearing him sing at all. In fact, he’d prefer to avoid the attention altogether.
He agreed to go ahead with it on two conditions – that his schoolmates (rather than some choir) could join in and share the ride – and that it would help other children like him who may not have such good special educational needs provision (by raising money and awareness).
So getting into and up the charts is a means to his end. He’s determined to try his best for his cause, but he’ll be relieved when Christmas arrives and the job is done. Then it will be back to Minecraft.
Thanks, BWT for clarifying that for us. Fynnjan is a fine young man.
My daughter is a teacher who works with autistic kids. She says they can do amazing things. They also challenge any authority. Amazing kid. Dianne
I know quite a few who come under the autistic spectrum and they are indeed very talented.
Loved this, Marie. My late brother had Aspergers. He had a brilliant mind and much talent but found it very difficult to share it with anyone. I commend this young man.
Thanks GM for posting this and prompting the discussion.
You are welcome my friend!
Thank you, Al!
What a lovely little son and he has such a sweet voice. Thank you for calling attention to the song. I’ve not heard it or anything about this young boy. I hope he reaches his goal–it’s a good one! 🙂
I have my fingers, knees and toes crossed!