Western Morning News

Coldplay back homeless charity’s fundraiser film

- ANITA MERRITT anita.merritt@reachplc.com

C‘The challenge we now face is that sadly the demand for our services is growing’ PETER STEPHENSON, ST PETROCK’S

OLDPLAY front man Chris Martin may have achieved internatio­nal stardom, but he has not forgotten his roots growing up in Exeter and is supporting an Exeter charity’s homeless campaign this Christmas.

The band has agreed to allow St Petrock’s to use its bitterswee­t track, Christmas Lights, as the soundtrack to its fundraisin­g film, which will be unveiled on social media channels next week.

It is the first major Christmas campaign of its 26-year history. The heartwarmi­ng short film comes at a time when people on low incomes are being plunged further into poverty, while the country slides into a recession triggered by soaring inflation and interest rate rises.

From discussion­s with partner agencies and St Petrock’s own observatio­ns, the charity estimates the number of rough sleepers on the streets of Exeter has doubled in the space of just 12 months. It predicts the situation will continue to get worse.

In the film, called A Day in the Life of St Petrock’s, all faces are St Petrock’s staff and real-life clients who have consented to take part in a bid to help the charity raise money for a service that is increasing­ly in demand.

Peter Stephenson, director of St Petrock’s, thanked Coldplay and all those who have contribute­d towards the film, and said: “We wanted to give people a true insight into the work we do on a daily basis and that meant involving our staff and clients – those who are rough sleeping as well as those in insecure accommodat­ion.

“I’m very grateful to our clients, in particular, for being so willing to take part in our film. Each day I’m humbled by the support given to us by generous local residents, faith organisati­ons and businesses.

“However, the challenge we now face is that sadly the demand for our services is growing and if we’re going to address this, we need to secure significan­tly more funding. These are tough times for all of us, but we’re hoping that this film will help open people’s eyes and encourage even greater generosity to those in greatest need.”

The film has been produced completely free of charge by film production company All Told, whose team has worked for major brands such as Nationwide, Tesco, National Trust, South West Water and Nike.

Chris was born in Exeter in 1977 to music teacher mother Alison Martin and chartered accountant father John Martin. Chris found his love for music at Exeter Cathedral School.

In the late 1990s, Chris performed at Gandy Street’s Cavern Club, shortly after the formation of Coldplay, which was then known as Pectoralz. Coldplay have gone on to sell 100 million albums sold worldwide, making them the most successful band of the 21st century and one of the best-selling music acts of all time.

■ Donations to St Petrock’s Christmas campaign can be made at www. StPetrocks­Christmas.org.uk

 ?? Buda Mendes ?? > Chris Martin of Coldplay – the band has allowed Exeter charity St Petrock’s use one of its tracks on the soundtrack for a film
Buda Mendes > Chris Martin of Coldplay – the band has allowed Exeter charity St Petrock’s use one of its tracks on the soundtrack for a film

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