Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Mayah’s helping to fight the good fight
Young musician pens song in honour of cousin and donates cash to charity helping her in cancer battle
The youngest musician to be signed to a popular Coatbridge studio has released her third single in honour of her cousin – with all proceeds being donated to the Beatson Cancer Charity.
It was a bigshock when my cousin was diagnosed Mayah Herlihy
Mayah Herlihy, 14, penned aptly named song Your Fight especially for her cousin Mel, who was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2019, and received treatment at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre in Glasgow.
Mayah explained: “Mel is 21 now. She was 19 when she was diagnosed with leukaemia.
“Mel and I are very close. When she was diagnosed it was a big shock, but she managed to keep a very positive mindset.
“To start with I wrote Your Fight as a celebration of her being one year in remission, but I decided to donate all the money from the single to the Beatson Cancer Charity because that’s where Mel received her treatment, and to thank them for all that they have done – and continue to do.
“Thankfully, she has been in remission for a year now and I thought it would be a good idea to do some fundraising with the song.”
Mayah continues to fly high, with her latest song following close on the heels of acclaimed debut On My Way and her second single Follow the Sunshine.
All three were recorded at the Coatbridge-based Main Street Records label, and Your Fight is storming the UK Country Charts to the number one spot, and has been named a best seller.
It was launched across popular streaming sites Apple Music, itunes and Amazon earlier this month.
The inspirational teen has also taken on a trio of fundraising challenges, alongside her manager David Blair at 23 Music Management, to raise as much money as she can for people in Lanarkshire who are facing their own battle with cancer.
Mayah enthused: “I’ve never really done anything like this. I’ve done a few hill climbs and the first one was very tough. I wanted to do more and challenge myself.
“I had been going out for walks beforehand, and I’m still sore after the Kiltwalk but I know it’s all worth it.
“We have set our target at £1023 because I’m signed to 23 Music Management and my manager David Blair is also doing the climb of Ben Nevis for his mum, who has been diagnosed with cancer.
“I’ve already raised £728, and I’m hoping to reach my target.
“I’ve really enjoyed it. It’s been dead hard, but I’m doing it because I know that I’m raising the money for a good cause.”
Mayah, of Motherwell, is also grateful to her proud parents Joanne and Martin and siblings Brendan and Bonnie, as well as her friends, who have been a driving force during her recent fundraising challenge.
She added: “My family have been a massive support. It’s lovely to have my family and friends supporting me because it’s been a massive challenge for me.”
To donate to Mayah’s fundraising, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/yourfightbeatson
And to stream Your Fight, go to https://music.apple.com/gb/album/your-fightsingle/1570284666