A schoolboy DJ has teamed up with GBX for a brand new single in memory of a toddler that tragically died from a rare disease.
Rowan Packer passed away aged two from Tay-Sachs Disease, a genetic condition which causes progressive damage to the nervous system last October.
Now family friend Callum Spence, 12, has got behind the decks to drum up cash for the John O'Byrne Foundation, a charity for sick children which supported Rowan's family throughout his short life.
He even recruited his little sister Lucy, 10, and her pals from the McCallum School of Music to sing on the Children of the Night remix – which was produced with the help of Ellene Bowie and Marc Sparkos Anderson at the GBX Studios.
Callum's dad said: "There wasn’t a lot known about Tay-Sach's disease and barely any funding for treatment or specialist equipment, like beds and stuff.
"We saw that John sent Rowan and his family for a holiday at his charity's caravan, giving them a holiday and chance to make some special memories.
"The work they do for all the kids in the hospitals is amazing. From Christmas parties to holidays. We hope to raise as much money as possible for the charity."
Callum has been DJing since the age of eight with the help of Sparkos at Team GBX, having his first gig at his dad's wedding in 2018.
Since then, he has played live sets to help charities such as Clic Sargeant, Cash for Kids and a family friend who needed specialist support.
Stephen said: "The song is one of Callum's favourites, and the idea of him getting children to sing it and helping a charity for children seemed perfect.
"The kids loved going into the recording studio to do the vocals and getting to work with some of the guys for Team GBX. Callum would spend all day every day in the studio if he could.
"He always wants to help with charity but even more so now with the pandemic going on, knowing that charities are finding it even harder to raise money."
He added: "This is what he's going to do when he grows up. Already saying he doesn’t need school because he's already made it as a DJ. Anything for a day off!"
Callum said: "I'm feeling really good about it. We wanted to help Rowan, then he passed away.
"It's all for going for a good cause and raise awareness for Tay-Sach's Disease."
George Bowie's wife Ellene said: "We were delighted to help young Callum. He's an absolute star of the future and Marc and I were really keen to support him. He is so talented – all the kids were, but Callum really has something special.
"To be so selfless and want to do so much to help others at such a young age is really impressive, he is a credit to his family and we are proud to have him as part of team GBX."
You can buy Children of The Night on Apple Music.
