AN Okehampton musician’s emotive tribute to a beloved colleague reached number 76 in the iTunes singer-songwriter charts three days after it was released, raising lots of money for a national children’s charity.

Leon Oxenham, an economics teacher at Shebbear College, penned an emotional acoustic melody for his friend and colleague Charlotte ‘Chilli’ Simpson who died in a car accident in West Devon last year.

The song ‘Chill’ will ring true for anyone who has lost a loved one with lyrics such as ‘I’m looking through you, exactly where you used to be, ‘cause I needed to talk to you, as if you were there’. Leon is donating all proceeds from the song to Great Ormond Street Hospital’s Brighter Future Fund.

Charlotte, also a teacher at Shebbear College, was only 24 when she was involved in a car accident last June and unfortunately never recovered from her injuries.

It is approaching a year since Charlotte’s death, but Leon said he still felt her presence was very strong.

‘During one of our last conversations in the old Memorial Hall at the school, Charlotte and I spoke about life and the exciting challenges ahead,’ he said. ‘We talked about music and while referring to writing and releasing new material, her last words to me were “Just do it!”‘

Charlotte was originally from Essex and came to Shebbear College two years ago to start her teaching career, teaching English and Latin. Leon said she had a massive impact on the college.

Leon said he loved teaching with songwriting being more of a ‘sideline’ but it was Charlotte that gave him the push he needed to take it more seriously.

‘Songwriting is a sideline. Modern day musicians find it hard to make ends meet so I need two jobs! Currently I’m developing my songwriting style, craft and catalogue of songs. Songwriting for me is capturing and conveying emotions in a way that listeners can recapture moments or feelings. At any point where a listener says “yeah I get it” makes me happy as a songwriter.

‘It always felt like an obstacle too high to jump, until Charlotte, of course, inspired me to take a slightly bigger leap. I’m also lucky enough to have a great job as a teacher working with young and inspiring people.’

Leon decided that in honour of Charlotte he will donate the proceeds from the song ‘Chill’ towards Charlotte’s favourite charity, the Brighter Future Fund.

Leon said: ‘I’m hoping this music transcends my personal recollection and will be shared particularly by those for whom Charlotte’s memory and presence lives on.’

Leon’s style is influenced by folk, blues, a touch of country and a whole list of modern singer/songwriters. He spent 18 years in London writing and performing before returning to his home county of Devon.

For more information about Leon and his music visit www.chillleon.uk

To purchase the song and donate to the charity, download the song by searching ‘Leon Oxenham Chill’ in the iTunes store.

Visit Leon’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/leonoxenhammusic