A teenager who underwent emergency surgery as a baby to remove a life-threatening brain tumour has released her first original single, Real Good Time, in aid of Brain Tumour Research.
Lyra Cole was just five months old when she had a gruelling 11-hour operation to remove a low-grade choroid plexus papilloma, which was the size of an orange. Now 13, she is passionate about giving hope to other families affected by brain tumours and is supporting the Charity with her musical talent.
Released on Friday 17th July, Real Good Time is an upbeat, catchy summer single, inspired by Lyra’s bright and bubbly outlook. It was written by her aunt, Jessie Hawke, who also directed the music video.
“I’m so excited to release Real Good Time. Singing and dancing are my life and I just want to make other people feel happy. The single has got loads of nice comments and more than 100,000 views in the first three days. It would be a dream to see people doing the dance on TikTok!” Lyra said.
“I don’t remember having a brain tumour; I was just a baby. But I know how much it upset my parents and my family and I know other children aren’t as lucky as me. So I want to raise as much money as possible with this song.”
Baby Lyra in hospital and with her "rainbow scar"
For Lyra’s family, watching her pursue her music career has special meaning. Mum Ellie said: "When Lyra, my little cub, was diagnosed, our world stopped. There were moments when all I hoped and prayed for was that she'd grow up healthy and happy. Watching Lyra follow her dreams reminds me every day that miracles don't always happen all at once. Sometimes they grow up, find their voice and share it with the world. I couldn't be prouder.
Lyra has certainly made her voice heard. Many will remember her bursting onto the music scene at the age of just six, with her cover of Cliff Richard’s Christmas classic, When A Child is Born, beating Stormzy to the top of the Amazon download charts. Her second release, covering Shakin Stevens’ Merry Christmas Everyone was another festive hit.
Real Good Time is available to download for just 99p via Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0H8FSRV48 or you can stream via your preferred platform.
A percentage of proceeds will be donated to Brain Tumour Research to help fund our vital work and bring hope to families affected by this devastating disease.
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