Mark Rhodes releases charity World Cup song

TV and radio presenter Mark Rhodes has released a charity World Cup song to raise money for six charities across the West Midlands.

Sing it Everybody is written by the former Pop Idol star and features the BIMM Institute Birmingham Gospel Choir.

Now on all major platforms, it is the first single that the double BAFTA award-winning presenter and singer has released in 22 years.

All proceeds from downloads and streams will go to the charitable foundations of six West Midlands football clubs: the Wolves Foundation, Albion Foundation, Birmingham City FC Foundation, Aston Villa Foundation, Walsall FC Foundation and Sky Blues in the Community.

The accompanying music video, filmed at Molineux Stadium, the home of Wolverhampton Wanderers, features a host of familiar faces from the world of football, including Steve Bull, Ally Robertson and Paul Mardon.

Rhodes, who grew up in Wolverhampton and has been a Wolves Foundation ambassador for several years, is also a presenter for BBC Radio WM.

"I've always wanted to release a World Cup song, and the time just felt right," he said.

"I don't take myself too seriously — it's been great fun from start to finish — and I thought, why not just go for it?

"My life changed forever the day I decided to call the Pop Idol hotline all those years ago, so I'm a big believer in taking a chance on things."

He added: "Having the incredible BIMM Institute Birmingham Gospel Choir on the track gives it something really special, and having Steve Bull in the video didn't hurt either!

"I've long been an ambassador of the Wolves Foundation, and all six West Midlands club charities do incredible work in their communities, so I'm really happy to be able to go some way to giving back to a region that has given me so much.

"The continued support of people across the West Midlands is the reason I'm still able to do what I love. They believed in me all those years ago and have never stopped cheering me on."

Steve Bull, club legend, Vice-President, and honorary patron of Wolves Foundation, said: "Mark asked me to be involved, and I didn't need much convincing — anything that raises money for the foundations across the West Midlands is worth getting behind.

"The video was filmed right here at Molineux, which made it extra special. Mark's got a great song on his hands."

Laura Cahill, business development manager at the Wolves Foundation, said: "It was a really fun day of filming, and the final edit, with Mark and all the different Foundations coming together in support of England, is fantastic.

"Not only is it a great song and video backing the Three Lions ahead of the tournament, but anyone who downloads a copy will know they are supporting the valuable work delivered by clubs in their communities across the West Midlands."

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