Officially supported by original writer Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits…

“Local Hero (piano version)” performed by Mark Deeks.

Mark Deeks Music is fundraising on behalf of Sing United Foundation, and all monies raised will be donated to NHS Charities Together to support their fight against Covid-19.

We might not raise £20 million like Captain Tom, but we’ll have a go!

You can donate to receive the download here: https://markdeeksmusic.com/product/local-hero-piano-nhs/

This Just Giving Page is to allow supporters to give more than the minimum required donation of £3.

This is our anthem for the NHS, and a small musical token of appreciation to our NHS Heroes and their incredible work during the Corona virus crisis.

Newcastle piano player Mark Deeks is doing weekly Pop Up Piano live streams for health workers in his Pop Up Piano NHS group. Following interest from BBC Radio Newcastle, Mark was asked to supply an example of his playing as they covered the story. Little did we know what would happen next!

Listeners phoned in asking if it could be released to raise money for the NHS during this time, and the response was the same during the second interview the following week, as well as during the Pop Up Piano NHS performances.

So we decided to ask the man himself, and are delighted to announce that Mark Knopfler has given his official approval to the release of this piano version of this classic Geordie anthem!

Many will know how special this piece of music is, especially to those who are lifelong Newcastle United fans and have seen their team run on to the field countless times to this tune. Mark Deeks remembers one very special occasion: “When I went to Cardiff to see Newcastle play in the FA Cup Semi Final, I never expected this tune to be played at a neutral venue, but when the PA cranked it out 10 minutes before kick off and 40,000 Newcastle fans screamed the melody of our most special instrumental at the top of their voices as I looked upon a sea of black and white in the sunshine… I don’t mind telling you there were tears. It was a moment I will never forget”.

In recent weeks we have seen, more strikingly than ever, just how incredible our health workers are, and so we are delighted to release this special piano version of “Local Hero” as our effort to raise some much needed funds to support them in the work that they do.

Thank you to them, and thank you to you for your support.