Thirteen, a charity single, which aims to raise awareness of sex trafficking in the UK, was performed live in front of more than 250 people at the Maximise Conference in Cheltenham, on Wednesday, November 30th.

The live performance, by the song’s writers April Shipton, from Ross-on-Wye and her friend Amy Box, marked the single’s worldwide debut. The duo were joined on stage by professional actor, Joel Daffurn.

The three performed a powerful drama to the track, following the narrative of the song. April told the Gazette:?“We portrayed two naive young girls, who each believe they have finally found a real love they have craved all their life, only to find themselves trapped in a cycle of abuse that leads to sex-slavery.

“The drama ended in hope to match the song’s uplifting finish; the girls are rescued, the perpetrator arrested and, for the first time, they experience what true love really means as they learn that God loves them wholly as they restore in the Safe From Slavery safehouse.”

April and Amy co-wrote the song together. All of the proceeds will be going to a national charity, Safe From Slavery, which provides intensive support and long term restoration to women rescued from sex-trafficking in the UK.

The song is entitled Thirteen, because this is the average age of sex-trafficking victims in the UK.

On the same day at the Maximise conference, the single was sent to the pre-order supporters all over the world. So far, £160 has been raised for Safe From Slavery.

April said:?“One supporter in Australia said the song gave them tingles, while another in Saudi Arabia said it was: ‘a fantastic cause and great music, so a double-win’.”

She added:?“Thanks to amazing support from Howdens Ross-on-Wye, who have sponsored the production of 50 CDs and PromoDiscs, who kindly provided another 50 free of charge.

“100% of proceeds from song purchases go to Safe from Slavery. Everyone involved in creating the song and drama has donated their time and skills for free.”

If you would like to purchase the charity single, CDs and digital downloads are now available via April’s website:? www.aprilshipton.co.uk/thirteen.