A TEENAGER’S moving musical tribute to her mum has struck a chord with thousands of people online.
Caitlin Burke, from Leigh, wrote Not That Far Apart last month and a video of the 16-year-old singing the song has been viewed more than 48,000 times on Facebook.
The emotional piano track pays homage to her mum Carolyn, who died in May following a two-year battle with ovarian cancer.
She is buoyed by the feedback she has had about the song and believes it can help others dealing with the loss of a loved one.
Caitlin with her mum Carolyn
Caitlin said: “People have messaged me and told me that they can relate to my song and love it.
“A lot of others have also said they cried when they heard the song.
“I think it helps people to feel like they are not alone when battling grief, which everyone goes through at one time or another.”
The talented singer spent seven years in Hallé children’s and youth choirs before leaving due to a combination of her mum’s illness and GCSE exams.
Caitlin also plays the piano and guitar and says her passion and love for music will get her through hard times and keep her strong.
She added: “My mum was always so positive about everything and never failed to put a smile on everyone’s face.
“She was amazing, a true role model throughout life who was always striving for the best and making sure I had everything I needed.
“My mum inspired me tremendously – I think she is the greatest inspiration I will ever have.”
Carolyn with her daughter Caitlin as she was growing up
Caitlin achieved a host of A and C grades in her GCSE exams and is now studying music, theatre studies and biology at St Mary’s Sixth Form College in Astley.
She lives with her grandparents Bernard, 75, and Christine, 71, and works part-time at Pennington Plaice Fish and Chips shop on Leigh Road.
She has also launched a singer and make-up business.
After completing college Caitlin plans to travel to America for around six months before studying at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) in Manchester.
To find out more about Caitlin’s singing and make-up business visit http://facebook.com/CaitlinLeona.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here