For Our Heroes: Tavistock songwriter's moving tribe to key workers

A heart-warming tribute song thanking NHS staff and key workers on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic has been written and produced by Tavistock locals, Andrew Lessiter and Violet Ryder. 

Alongside his day job as a Virgin Media sales representative for Plymouth South, 37-year-old Andrew wrote ‘For Our Heroes’ in one week, expertly recording and producing a video to accompany the track with his fiancée, Violet Ryder. 

The moving song hopes to act as a ‘thank you’ to those battling on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic, raising money to demonstrate the UK’s appreciation for the inspiring efforts of NHS staff and key workers. Any donations received in response to ‘For Our Heroes’ will go directly to NHS Charities Together.

Local Tavistock residents even got the chance to feature in the song’s music video, as emotive scenes capture the community coming together to ‘clap for our carers’ on Thursday nights. 

Andrew has been a song writer for about 20 years and enjoys writing lyrics that individuals can relate to. As the UK was plunged into lockdown and amidst feeling of anxiety and uncertainty, Andrew was inspired to write a song to celebrate the incredible work of those keeping the country safe during its time of need.

Song writer, Andrew Lessiter said, “I really hope that people have enjoyed listening to my song and can connect personally with the lyrics. All of our front line workers need to be celebrated and deserve a massive thank you for the last few months and their continued hard work. Music is my passion and I am excited to keep making music that moves people.”

Andrew’s boss at Virgin Media, David Lovell, Field Sales Manager said, “As colleagues we really want to support Andrew’s tribute to front line workers and we couldn’t be prouder of him. We hope that his song and video shines a light on the inspirational efforts of key workers over the last few months and encourages individuals to say a massive thank you.”

Watch Andrew’s ‘For Our Heroes’ music video on YouTube. Donations can be made here via Virgin Money Giving.