Warrant Officer Class 2 Andrew Whiting VR, currently serving in the British Army in Andover, is using his spare time to help organise one music project aimed at raising money for Fatima Whitbread’s UK Campaign. Fatima is releasing her UK Campaign Anthem this Christmas 2024. Starz Fostering CIC – along with Andrew Whiting are organising the Christmas 2025 song to raise awareness for the need for Foster Carer’s. With the support of the military and in collaboration with Fatima Whitbread — Starz and Andrew hope to make a positive impact for children in care across the UK.
Fatima Whitbread’s UK Campaign Anthem is written by Andrew and Lisa’s son, Harrison Whiting, who is currently in his second year at BIMM Brighton. The anthem will be released in December 2024 and features a host of renowned artists, including Shaun Ryder, Alica Daydream, and a special speech by award winning actress Samantha Morton. Guitar is provided by Jonny Depp, percussion by Ringo Starr, and production by Zak Starky. Harrison is also singing on the track.
This anthem has been created to raise awareness and funds for Fatima Whitbread’s UK Campaign, which is focused on improving the lives of children in the care system. Harrison’s song is a heartfelt tribute to the importance of giving children in care a loving home and the support they deserve.
“We’re passionate about supporting Fatima’s UK campaign because it aligns with our belief that every child in care deserves love and stability,” said Andrew.
Following the release of Fatima’s anthem, Andrew and Starz Fostering CIC are also organising a second Christmas song, set to be released in December 2025. This track written by Jon Lawrence, which will also raise funds for Fatima Whitbread’s campaign and Starz Fostering CIC, features the London Choir and a children’s choir. Once again, Harrison will be singing on the track. The recording took place at a local studio, Grange Farm Studio, where the owner, Isi Clarke kindly donated her time to support the cause. A child who was in residential care and taught by Isi, assisted with the recording process, and the artwork for the song cover was designed by a young person who had once been homeless but has since completed an Art and Design degree at Brighton University, thanks to the support from Nicky Starenczak, one of Starz’s directors, who gave him a loving home.
Starz Fostering CIC, founded in 2019 by Lisa and Nicky with Zoe joining as a third director 2 years later, is a not-for-profit therapeutic fostering agency that provides exceptional care for children in the foster system. Each of the founders has personal experience with childhood abuse or the care system—Nicky was in foster care as a child and went on to foster for 21 years. Lisa has spent her career working with children in care, especially those struggling with severe self-harm and mental health challenges. Zoe has worked extensively with children in residential care homes.
Starz Fostering is unique in its long-term approach to supporting children. Unlike many other fostering agencies, Starz provides ongoing support to children who are permanently placed with Starz even after they leave care, continuing to offer guidance until the age of 27. Their goal is to ensure that foster children never feel abandoned or without help, as they transition into adulthood. Starz focuses on providing thorough training and ongoing support to foster carers.
In addition to the music projects, Lisa from Starz Fostering CIC recently recorded a podcast and video interview with Fatima Whitbread, where she shared her personal journey from care to success and discussed her UK campaign to raise awareness about fostering and the care system. The podcast also highlights the bespoke services offered by Starz Fostering and their future plans. The interview is available on Starz’s YouTube channel and on their official website at www.starzfosteringcic.co.uk.
Both music projects aim to raise awareness about the need for more foster carers and improved care for children in the foster system, while also supporting Fatima Whitbread’s campaign.
For more information, visit: www.starzfosteringcic.co.uk