A YOUNG girl from Bude has released a new song to support and raise money for the Mental Health Foundation.

Riley Jayne Gifford, 14, recently won Bude’s Got Talent after her original track ‘Locked Away’ moved audiences in North Cornwall.

Outlook South West and Pirate FM have now teamed up to promote the young lady’s song, assisting her in her mission to raise awareness and money for her chosen charity.

Outlook South West communications officer, Adam McPherson, said: “We heard the track and loved it, but once we saw who it was written by and how it was being used to raise money and awareness for mental health, we thought it was even more perfect for our campaign with Pirate FM.

“Hopefully, people will listen to the full song online and donate money to a very worthwhile cause. Equally, we hope that anyone who hears the commercials and needs help will also get in touch with us.

“It’s a moving song and lots of the lyrics relate very well to psychological wellbeing and the need to seek help when you need it.”

Riley said: “I think that raising awareness about mental health is important because a lot of the time I feel it goes unnoticed and people suffer in silence as it’s not something that you can see just by looking at someone. It’s important to me not just because I have close friends and family that are affected by mental health illness but I feel everyone deserves to be happy and for anyone who is going through something to know that people are there for them to give them help and that it can get better.

“I am so amazed and grateful that people are giving money to download my song, I never excepted any of this to happen when I wrote the song, I literally had no idea that people would like it or understand the meaning behind it but I am pleased they have and if I can help anyone then that is an amazing feeling.”

Riley is due to perform at Bude’s Big Fundraising Picnic at BAAMFest on Saturday, July 2, as well as at the Bude Sea Pool Big Lunch.

To donate and listen to Riley’s song, please visit igiveyougive.org