Vanessa, 17, honors her brother Jordan with a touching song after his passing
Exeter: Vanessa, a 17-year-old from Exeter, has poured her heart into a song for her brother, Jordan, who passed away just after Christmas in 2023 at the age of 10. Their family has been supported by Children’s Hospice South West since 2015, after Jordan was diagnosed with a serious condition.
Vanessa always dreamed of writing a song for Jordan. She says creating ‘You are the Reason’ has been a healing journey for her over the past year.
“I’ve wanted to write this song forever for my little hero. He loved when I sang to him, and that made it feel special. Jordan taught me so much about life,” she shared.
“Singing is my passion, and this song helps me express my feelings. It’s not just for me; it can touch anyone going through tough times.”
With help from Ceridwen Rees, a music therapist, and the Cameron Mills Group, Vanessa’s dream came to life. Ceridwen explained how important it is for kids to express their feelings through music, especially after losing someone close.
“I’ve been a music therapist for 27 years, and this song is one of the most powerful I’ve worked on,” she said.
Cameron Mills, who recorded the song, was inspired by Vanessa’s talent. “We were thrilled to support CHSW and help Vanessa with her single. She’s a star in the making!” he said.
Vanessa shared how she and her family understood Jordan’s unique way of communicating, despite his disabilities. “He was always so happy and bright, even when we were sad. He had a way of lifting our spirits,” she recalled.
Her song is deeply emotional and even includes Polish lyrics, reflecting her family’s heritage. “I spoke to my brother in Polish, so it felt right to include that in the song,” she explained.
‘You are the Reason’ was released on Spotify on December 27, the anniversary of Jordan’s passing. You can check it out on the Children’s Hospice South West YouTube channel.
