Musical theatre group Collabro are releasing a single in aid of Save The Children’s Emergency Fund after one of their members was caught up in Hurricane Irma.

Singer Michael Auger was on holiday on the Caribbean island of Saint Martin when the storm hit and witnessed the destruction first hand.

He and his bandmates Jamie Lambert, Matt Pagan and Thomas Redgrave have now decided proceeds from their first single, Lighthouse, will go to the fund, which helps children affected by war and disasters around the world.

Auger, who is now back in the UK, said: “The devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Irma is truly heart-breaking for the people of the Caribbean and Florida.

Michael Auger
Michael Auger (Collabro)

“I know I was very lucky to escape unharmed but there are many thousands of people who have lost everything and will feel the effects of this disaster for years to come.”

Lambert, Pagan and Redgrave said: “After what Michael went through, and the terrible pictures we’ve all seen on TV of the devastation wrought by Irma, we wanted to do something to help those affected by natural disasters like this, around the world.

“We have decided to release Lighthouse as our first ever single and give all proceeds to Save The Children.”

The Britain’s Got Talent winners said they felt the message of the song, “being a beacon of hope wherever you are” was fitting as natural disasters affect people both directly and indirectly.

“Save The Children does amazing work around the world and are a beacon of hope for young people and families caught up in war and natural disasters,” they said.

Lighthouse cover
Lighthouse cover (Collabro)

Claire Rowney, Save The Children’s executive director of fundraising, said: “There are always a multitude of risks to children during emergencies such as Irma, including the chance of separation from parents and the psychological impacts of natural disaster.

“That’s why we are so grateful to Collabro and their fans as they will be raising vital money for emergencies around the world. Every download of Lighthouse means that we can continue to mobilise teams and reach the most vulnerable families at times of crisis.”

:: Lighthouse is available to digitally download on September 22 with 100% of the money raised going to Save The Children’s Emergency Fund.