A new project highlighting some of society’s most pressing issues has grown from a personal experience into a song with a wider message.
“Glowing From Within” began as a poem written by Christy Fleming and has since been developed into a song inspired by Bob Dylan’s 1960s classic “Blowing In The Wind”. Dylan is widely regarded as one of the greatest songwriters of all time.
The song explores themes of cancer, homelessness and mental health, issues that continue to affect thousands of families across Ireland and beyond. It has been recorded, produced and performed by Fiach Moriarty.
Christy Fleming said the project was inspired by the illness of a close friend.
“I wrote ‘Glowing From Within’ after a friend was diagnosed with a number of serious health issues including cancer,” he said.
“He was undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment and I realised at the time that his home environment was damp and unhealthy, which could have affected his recovery.”
That experience led to a wider reflection on the challenges faced by those without a secure home, particularly people dealing with serious illness.
“It got me thinking about the many homeless people sleeping rough or moving from place to place,” he said. “If someone is trying to recover from something like cancer without the warmth and security of a safe home, how do they cope long term?”
There has been a positive outcome in his friend’s case, with his health improving after being provided with a new home.
“Thankfully he was nominated for a new home by the council and there has been a huge improvement in his health,” Christy added. “He is still recovering but at least he no longer has the stress of not having a place to live.”
The project has also created an opportunity to raise awareness of the work carried out by Friends of St Luke’s Cancer Charity and the Liberty Soup Run, both of which support people facing serious challenges.
Videos highlighting the work of both organisations are available, along with the full version of “Glowing From Within” on YouTube.
