Florence and the Machine have shared “Light of Love,” a previously unreleased track recorded for High as Hope, with all proceeds from the song being donated to the UK’s Intensive Care Society Covid-19 Fund.
The Intensive Care Society is a charity which supports doctors, nurses and allied health professionals who are putting themselves at risk while helping patients sick with Covid-19. Donations are used to fund emotional and psychological support for these health care workers as well as survivors of Covid-19 and the loved ones of those who lost their lives. The organization also funds research to better understand and treat viruses like Covid-19.
“We are very humbled and grateful for this wonderful donation,” said Intensive Care Society President Dr. Ganesh Suntharlingam in a statement. “Intensive care is fighting the biggest challenge it has faced and the Society is doing everything it can to support our healthcare professionals, patients and relatives. Not only will this generous gift allow us to continue providing the essential resources to our intensive care community but it will literally help save lives—we can’t thank you enough.”
Florence explained the decision to release “Light of Love” saying, “’Light of Love’ never made the record but I thought it would be nice to share it with the fans at this time of uncertainty, and could be a good way to raise awareness for the Intensive Care Society COVID-19 Fund, and to show my love, respect and admiration to all those working on the front line of this crisis.”
She continued, “The song is about the world coming at you so fast and you feel like you won’t survive it, but in actuality, bearing witness to the world as it is, it’s really the only place you can be of service. I found so many ways to numb myself out, to hide from the world, and although waking up from that was painful, it’s never been more important not to look away, to keep an open heart even if it hurts, and to find ways to keep showing up for the people that need you. Even from a distance.”
Click here to learn more about The Intensive Care Society and click here to listen to “Light of Love.”