Ambulance dispatcher releases second single

Aaron Wilkes has worked for West Midlands Ambulance Service for 18 years

An ambulance worker who wrote and recorded a single in his front room to support male mental health, after he went through a tough time himself, has released his second track.

In September, Aaron Wilkes released Stand Together, and his next song, The Adventure, was released this week.

The 38-year-old, who has worked as a West Midlands ambulance control room dispatcher for 18 years, surprised his colleagues with his first single after keeping his talent under wraps.

He is now forming a band to perform live, but said his music would remain a hobby, because he loves his job.

'Uplifting and powerful'

He said he recorded and produced the original song in his front room in Stafford, with a little help from his father.

He said he wanted to create a song to boost mental health because of music's ability to change the way we feel and make us think.

"Rather than slow and depressing, it was uplifting and powerful," he said. "That was the intent."

People who heard it messaged him directly to say thank you, he added. "They were complete strangers. What impact it had on them, I don't know. I'm just pleased it did."

It was released on 28 September, ahead of Men's Health Awareness Month in November.

He wrote the song to help himself through a tough time and help others as well, he said.

It went on to be played on 15 radio stations and has been listened to more than 9,000 times.

Aaron Wilkes is joined on his new track by Freya

The Adventure has a Celtic theme with a hint of Christmas, he said.

"It's not just a Christmas song though, you can play it all year round," he added.

"It's not so much about mental health. This is aimed at people setting out on a new adventure, maybe in a relationship, or a new connection, or networks - just to feel on top of the world."

He said while the duet with fellow musician Freya Butlin is about new adventures, he will not be starting a new career.

"It's a hobby," he said. "I love working for the ambulance service. I've been there 18 years and I don't intend to change."

Both songs have raised money for charity.

A spokeswoman for the ambulance service said: "Aaron's passion for helping others means that, once more, 100% of the royalties from his new song will go to MAAC (Midlands Air Ambulance Charity) and TASC (The Ambulance Staff Charity)."