Christmas single: 18-year-old Ethan Thorne (centre, with mic) is releasing two versions of the charity single Sugar Snow later this month
A teenaged actor and musician from Shirley has revived a family song to raise funds to support young people and seriously ill children this festive season.
At the end of this month, 18-year-old Ethan Thorne is releasing two versions of Sugar Snow, a song written and recorded by his father, Steve Thorne.
Though never officially released, the track became a cult festive favourite after being played every December for more than two decades by Radio X’s John Kennedy.
For the first time, listeners will be able to stream both the Thorn Club Mix and a reimagined version produced with writer-musician Jason McKenzie, with Ethan Thorne on lead vocals.
Keeping it in the family, Ethan’s sister Lara — a member of Croydon Youth Theatre Organisation — features on backing vocals.
“I was really fortunate to receive a scholarship and bursary that made it possible for me to study at Trinity School, where I had so many opportunities to grow as both an actor and a musician,” Ethan Thorne told Inside Croydon.
“Not everyone gets that chance, so it feels important to give something back.
CYTO performance: Lara Thorne, Ethan Thorne’s sister, and performers from South Norwood’s CYTO feature in the music video
“CYTO does incredible work giving young people opportunities in the arts. Deciding to rework Sugar Snow felt like the perfect way to support them — and when my mum made the video featuring CYTO members, it became a real family project.”
A portion of the proceeds from the release will support CYTO, the volunteer-led youth theatre that has become central to the Thorne family’s life.
Another portion will go to WellChild, supporting the long-term ventilation team at St George’s Hospital — a service that has been life-changing for Jason McKenzie’s grandson, who relies on nightly ventilation to stay healthy and live at home. “Without this extraordinary team, many children with complex medical needs would face months — even years — in hospital rather than growing up surrounded by family,” McKenzie said.
Sugar Snow will be released worldwide on Friday November 28 on streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music, with the official music video premiering on YouTube the same day. Every stream or download of Sugar Snow will help support young performers and children with complex medical needs.
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