AN UNLIKELY combination of a Birmingham accountant and the drummer from chart-toppers the Charlatans are helping to raise cash for British troops wounded overseas.

Singer-songwriter Chris Whiting, who works for Grant Thornton in Birmingham, joined forces with drummer Jon Brookes on a new charity single in aid of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association Forces Help.

Chris’s self-penned song My Boy proved such a hit with soldiers and families that he decided to release it as a single.

The accountant, together with Worcester-based independent label Black Sheep Records, approached the military charity – and the track was recorded with the help of Jon, who was already a friend.

Chris, aged 30, from Walsall, wanted to support the charity after hearing about its ‘homes from home’ for injured service personnel and their families.

The association’s Norton House is near the main military treatment centre at Selly Oak Hospital and allows relatives and partners to stay close to wounded loved ones.

Chris said: “During what must be an extremely traumatic time for families, they can now remain close to their loved ones, with the support of this charity’s dedicated staff.”

Birmingham-based Chris works in Grant Thornton’s not-for-profit advisory team. When he told senior colleagues about My Boy, the firm offered to fund the recording session through its corporate responsibility programme.

Chris, who has compiled an EP, Our Rocks – The Basement Sessions, will be playing with his band at the Q Bar in Walsall Wood on December 12.

Jon said: “I hope this beautiful song gives people something to reflect on.”

The single is sponsored by Grant Thornton and Loft Mastering studios, and the RAC has pledged its support.