Grassington singer-songwriter Meghann Clancy has released new charity single, Baby of the Storm, to raise money for typhoon victims.

The song was inspired by the new mothers and babies who are struggling to survive in the aftermath of typhoon Haiyan, which hit the Philippines in November, killing more than 6,000 people.

“This is certainly the most challenging song I have written so far,” said Meghann, who studied music at Newcastle University. “I have no experience of what life must be like out there.”

However, she has tried to express the life-changing devastation left by Haiyan, while at the same time acknowledging the hope brought by a new life.

“The song is a celebration of the intimate bond between mother and child, which is mirrored by its simple arrangement and heartfelt delivery.”

Baby of the Storm is Meghann’s first release since her debut album, Take Flight, in 2012, which received a positive response.

Like her album, this new single is also a DIY self-release, but with a difference. Instead of distributing the song through the standard digital stores, downloads of Baby of the Storm are available exclusively through the charitable fundraising site Virgin Money Giving.

Meghann, a former pupil of Skipton Girls’ High School, decided on this approach because she wanted to ensure 100 per cent of sales (plus gift aid) went directly to the Disasters Emergency Committee. She aims to raise at least £1,000.

To download Baby of the Storm, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MeghannClancy. By giving as little as £1, you will receive an automatic email response containing a link to the digital download of the song.