A songwriter has teamed up with his son to record a Christmas single to raise money for two charities that helped them both through a difficult time.

In February 2013, Ben and Charlotte, welcomed their son Oscar into the world at St Michael’s Hospital in Bristol, but their baby was born was gastroschisis, a birth defect where a hole in the abdominal wall allows the intestines to extend outside the child’s body.

Oscar soon after birth, at St Michael’s Hospital

The start of baby Oscar’s life – and that of the new parents – was plunged into a world of worry.
Soon after being born, Oscar underwent a long and intricate operation at Bristol’s Royal Hospital for Children, before being placed in an induced coma and transferred back to St Michael’s.
Ben and Charlotte barely left his side in the days and weeks that followed, as Oscar recovered with the help of the staff at the hospital.

The couple were supported by the Cots for Tots charity, which runs three houses that provide a safe and supportive place for families to stay while their child is in hospital.
Ben and Charlotte stayed there during the four months it took for Oscar to be able to come home.

“It was a difficult and emotional time,” said Ben, who hails from Gillingham. “We were thankful for the hard work the surgeons, doctors and nurses had put in, not only looking after Oscar, but also the emotional support they gave us.
“While staying in the Cots for Tots house, we made friends with other parents who were also going through an incredibly tough time,” said Ben.
Ben is a singer and songwriter who performs under the name Seeking Benjamin, and this Christmas he has decided – with Oscar’s help – to use his skills to help the charities that supported his family, namely the Bristol hospital’s Grand Appeal and Cots for Tots.
Oscar and his dad have penned a festive song, Santa Leave Something For Me, as a thank you to hospital staff and to raise money.
“The song aims to bring just a moment of happiness and to give parents hope at such an emotional time,” Ben said.
The song can be downloaded, with all proceeds going to charity, from Seeking Benjamin on the Bandcamp website. You can also donate at www.seekingbenjamin.co.uk.
Santa Leave Something For Me will be released on 18 November.