Xander Rawlins
Captain Xander Rawlins, the Grenadier Guards Captain, who has sung his way into the hearts and minds of the British public with his Xmas song “1000 Miles Apart” is to perform a live stream of the hit single and a Christmas message to his colleagues in Afghanistan, via the internet.
The song will be performed by Xander from Wellington Barracks, London on Wednesday 15th December at 3pm and will be streamed live to Afghanistan and other conflict areas around the world, where it expected to be seen by many thousands of troops who are stationed away from home over the Christmas period.
Described by the media as the Singing Captain, the 26 year old Grenadier Guard spent 4 months stationed in Helmand, where the song was written. During that time he led his 30-strong platoon on many operations, with the tragic loss of one man to an IED. During periods of downtime, he entertained his colleagues with nightly busking sessions, smuggling guitars, a harmonica and a cornet out to the front line.
Currently with odds of 7/1 at William Hill, his single is tipped as a genuine Xmas No.1 contender on its release on 13th December. The video, which was shot by Xander whilst out in Afghanistan, is a YouTube hit and set to become part of a BBC documentary in 2011 to mark 10 years of conflict in Afghanistan.
Profits from the single will go towards ABF The Soldiers’ Charity which supports soldiers, former soldiers and their families in times of need, Combat Stress which offers support to ex-servicemen and women suffering from psychological injuries such as anxiety, depression and post traumatic stress disorder.