Paul Casey Chernobyl Single - '10,000 Days' out now

September 11 2013 marks 10,000 days since the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, the after-effects of which are now devastating a new generation. Adi Roche's Chernobyl Children International works to improve the quality of life of these children as well as carry out life-saving operations - and support is needed now more than ever.

When Derry singer-songwriter Paul Casey played to a 5,000-strong crowd at The Sports Palace in Minsk in 2010, he was unaware of the devastation and heartache found just miles away in the Vesnova Orphanage for intellectually and physically less-abled children. The Orphanage stands just 175km from the site of the Chernobyl explosion.

Three years on, having found himself engrossed by a documentary on the tragic events, Casey has written the powerful, uplifting '10,000 Days' in aid of Chernobyl Children International and to mark the special milestone in the history of Belarusian and indeed Irish life. Penned in just 30 minutes, the song brought out a wave of emotions in Casey.

"Being a parent, the Chernobyl documentary really struck a chord for me," he says. "As soon as it ended, I sat down with my guitar and half an hour later, the song was written".

Speaking ahead of the milestone, Chernobyl Children International founder Adi Roche touched on the importance of Paul's song.

"Thanks to Paul, we can remember the forgotten children of Chernobyl, who 10,0000 days ago saw their world changed in the blink of an eye, leaving a legacy of medical and health problems that continue to impact hugely on future generations. Let us take the time to honour them and the next generation of Chernobyl’s children."

'10,000 Days' is now available to download directly from iTunes for €0.99. All proceeds go to CCI. Also, you can text CHERNOBYL to 50300 to donate €2 to CCI. 100% of each €2 will go to CCI.