Pixie Lott has revealed the touching reason she decided to remake The Proclaimers' iconic tune 'I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)' for charity. The 35-year-old singer has rewritten the lyrics to create 'I'm Gonna Be (79 Miles)' in support of Ronald McDonald House, a charity that provides free accommodation for families of seriously ill children.
A Personal Connection to the Cause
The mum-of-two explained that she was drawn to the project after hearing stories of families who have to travel long distances to be near their hospitalized children. According to the charity, families supported by Ronald McDonald House travel an average of 79 miles to stay close to their child during medical treatment. This distance often means precious time together is lost during an already difficult period.
Pixie said: "As a singer, it's so special to be given the blessing to reimagine such an iconic song. But as a parent, it's the meaning behind 'I'm Gonna Be (79 Miles)' that matters most. Being part of a campaign that raises awareness for this incredible charity – and performing alongside such wonderful people and musicians – has been an honour."
Collaborating with Families
For the new version, Pixie teamed up with four families from across the UK who have used the charity's services. Together, they recorded an emotional video that includes home videos and pictures of the families smiling alongside the singer. The revamped lyrics include lines like: "And I'm so grateful for all the work they do. We're always only steps away from you. And when you come home, you know I'm gonna be the one who comes back home with you."
Charity's Mission
Ella Joseph, Chief Executive Officer at Ronald McDonald House UK, highlighted the importance of the campaign: "When a child is seriously ill or injured, families don't just want to visit, they want to stay close, informed and involved in their child's care. Yet many families travel long distances, often at huge emotional and financial cost, at a time when life already feels overwhelming."
She added: "'I'm Gonna Be (79 Miles)' powerfully brings these journeys to life and shines a light on the reality families face every day. Thanks to the generosity of McDonald's and the passion Pixie has brought to this project, this campaign will help us reach more families, keep them close to their children, and support them through some of the hardest moments of their lives."
The original song, released almost 40 years ago by The Proclaimers, has been given a new lease of life with Pixie's unique take, aiming to raise awareness and funds for a cause close to her heart.
