YOUNG people from Southend-on-Sea can from this month (March, 2013) download a song that featured in a charity world record breaking attempt for the most people singing and signing simultaneously.

The song, which was sung at schools in the town during SignHealth’s sign2sing event on February 6, is now available to download.

Steve Powell, Chief Executive at SignHealth, which is the national healthcare charity for deaf people, explained: “We are really excited our song, which is entitled ‘sign2sing’, is available for people to play at home. “It can be purchased via our website, www.sign2sing.org.uk, as well as from iTunes and various other digital music outlets and costs a maximum of 79 pence per download. Proceeds will be donated to SignHealth.”

sign2sing is SignHealth’s Guinness World Records™ attempt for the most people signing and singing a song at the same time while also raising money for the charity. It took place on February 6 (2013). Steve continued: “Hundreds of schools from all over the country, including Southend-on-Sea, and around the world registered to take part in our Guinness World Records™ sign2sing project for the most people signing and singing at the same time. “The schools ranged in size from 30 to 800 pupils, which, from our calculations, means more than 135,000 schoolchildren took part in the event. The exact number of participants will be confirmed by Guinness World Records at a later date. “The previous world record, which we set last year, was 114,277 so we are hoping to have smashed this.”

sing2sing is a fundraiser for SignHealth through a suggested £1 donation from everyone taking part. Children were asked to wear a scarf like Olli the monkey, who is SignHealth’s official mascot, to school on the day of sign2sing and take in their £1 donation. The money will be used to continue the charity’s work helping to improve the mental and physical health and well-being of deaf people, including deaf children.

Steve added: “Another track called ‘Time to Party’ is also available to download. We hope lots of people purchase the songs. It would be great to see them in the charts and get even more people talking about sign2sing.”

The lyrics for sign2sing were written by Garry Slack, author of the award-winning ‘Sign with Olli’ books. The music was composed by Paul Fairey, who has written various theme tunes for television and radio.

SignHealth will be organising the event again next year (2014). People wishing to take part are invited to contact the charity to register their interest.

For more information about sign2sing or to register for next year’s event, please visit www.sign2sing.org.uk or contact SignHealth on 01494 687600. Alternatively, sign2sing is on Twitter at www.twitter.com/sign2sing and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sign2sing.