Dunstable musician records new song to raise money for ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

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A musician from Dunstable has recorded a song with two friends to raise money for ZSL Whipsnade Zoo which has faced months of closure during the pandemic.

Helen Wingate, who raised over £500 for the zoo when she composed and recorded a song last summer, has teamed up with Lesley Vincent, from Wendover, and Philip Cornelius, from Studham, to record 'Like a Rainbow Shining' to raise money once again.

ZSL was forced to close both Whipsnade Zoo and London Zoo in the third national lockdown but will be able to reopen on Monday, April 12, under stage two of the Prime Minister's roadmap out of lockdown.

They have recorded 'Like a Rainbow Shining' to raise money for ZSLThey have recorded 'Like a Rainbow Shining' to raise money for ZSL
They have recorded 'Like a Rainbow Shining' to raise money for ZSL

They are aiming to raise £600 for ZSL, and have raised £465 so far on their JustGiving page.

The song was composed by Will Todd and the video has images from Whipsnade Zoo, taken by Helen's dad.

Helen, who used to work at Whipsnade Zoo on the main gate, shop, children's farm and function suite, said: "Whipsnade Zoo has been closed again and cannot open until after Easter - one of the busiest times for Whipsnade, and they are losing out on this very important income.

"With over 20,000 animals to feed and care for across ZSL, they need help to claw back their obliterated funds.

Helen Wingate, Lesley Vincent and Philip CorneliusHelen Wingate, Lesley Vincent and Philip Cornelius
Helen Wingate, Lesley Vincent and Philip Cornelius

"Will composed this song as a 'song of hope' during this Covid crisis and offered it to choirs to perform virtually.

"It felt fitting to use this lovely song, adding photos from Whipsnade taken by my dad, to try and help them.

"It takes quite a bit of time to put a virtual performance together, but the outcome was worth it to try and raise £600 for the zoo. Every donation will help, so it would be lovely if people could give whatever they can.

"Whipsnade has been a huge part of my families lives, many of whom have worked at Whipsnade, including myself.

"I grew up with Whipsnade as my 'playground' and I am so looking forward to visiting the zoo again as a Fellow and seeing this amazing place, and the amazing work they do, very soon."