A MUSICAL mum called upon talented pals to help her record a Christmas album in aid of Cancer Research UK.

Sarah Louise Isom, 33, of Stanway, has experienced the loss of relatives and friends to the disease.

So the singer and vocal tutor called upon daughter Francesca Triolo, aged ten, plus duo act Short People and music producer Mark Wickenden, to collaborate in recording the festive fundraiser.

It is called A Thought for Christmas and features the artists’ own takes on seasonal classics from White Christmas to Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.

Sarah said she felt strongly about the illness stealing parents from young vulnerable children, who will never truly understand why they lost their mum or dad.

Daughter Francesca attends St Mary’s School, Colchester.

Sarah said: "I chose a Christmas album as people can keep on downloading year to year at this special time and it will never date as the songs really mean something to each and everyone.

“We hope they mean something to you and that you will think of someone very special when you purchase it, as we need to raise as much money as possible to help cure these dreadful illnesses, save lives and create awareness."

Miss Isom, whose stage name is Sarah Louise, said she was spurred on in particular after her friend’s sister [from Ipswich] recently passed away from cancer after battling it for 14 years.

“In the last part of her life she really wanted to send a message out so arranged a lot of fundraising,” Sarah added.

Miss Isom’s grandmother also died from lung cancer and her aunty from breast cancer.

Cancer Research UK has backed the CD, which was officially launched this week and is available to download from iTunes now.