East 17’s Tony Mortimer supports charity with reissue of a Christmas classic

East 17’s Tony Mortimer supports the UK’s largest music therapy charity with 30th anniversary reissue of Stay Another Day.

Spending five weeks at No.1 when it was first released in 1994, beating Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas Is You to the top of the charts, it reached double-Platinum status and earned songwriter Tony Mortimer a prestigious Ivor Novello award.

Now it’s an iconic Christmas classic among multiple generations and returns to the charts every December, with everyone from Jorja Smith and Kylie Minogue to Girls Aloud and Chvrches covering the song.

Tony Mortimer is using this landmark year as an opportunity to give back, and to raise awareness of how music can offer hope, expression, and healing to those who need it the most. The song inspires feelgood festive vibes, yet the story behind it is very different. Tony Mortimer is therefore also looking to reconnect the song with its original meaning as it was born out of personal loss and emotion, and written as a tribute to a life tragically cut short.

To achieve this, Tony has partnered for the 30th anniversary of Stay Another Day with Nordoff and Robbins, the UK’s largest music therapy charity, who use the power of music to break through the barriers caused by life-limiting illness, disability, social isolation and mental health problems, creating space for people to express themselves and find connection in society.

Raising Awareness

Tony says, “Through this collaboration with Nordoff and Robbins, I really want to raise awareness of how music can offer hope, expression and healing to people everywhere. This 30-year anniversary is more than just a celebration of a song—it’s a call to remember the profound impact that music can have on our lives, particularly in moments of struggle.

“By raising money for life-changing music therapy, I’m also looking forward to making a difference to young people who are living with mental health problems. Together, we can ensure that the power of music continues to uplift and support those who need it.”

On December 13 London Records will release a limited special edition of Stay Another Day on 7″ vinyl format. This ice clear 7″ vinyl also features new artwork and a previously unreleased live version of the song from East 17’s 1995 Letting Off Steam arena tour. Pre-order here

For all items sold via www.stayanotherday.co.uk, London Records will be donating £1 to Nordoff and Robbins Music Therapy.

In support of this partnership, Tony will be performing a special rendition of the much-loved song at the Nordoff and Robbins Carol Service in London on Tuesday 10 December, alongside festive performances from Jamie Cullum and Lemar. Tickets can be purchased here

Read more: 25 Essential Christmas Pop Songs