Kat wrote this song to honor the strength of character it takes to truly live life.
Kat, Andy, Trev, Adrian and Gio recorded “I Choose to Live” at Vision Recording Studios on 6 July 2020
In 2019, I followed facebook to watch an amazing guy walk from Bunbury on the west coast to Sydney on the east coast, raising awareness for the prevention of suicide. “The Walk for Hope” As DNO walked across Australia he filmed, photographed and posted every day of his arduous journey. People he met along the way wrote names on his flag, he listened to their stories and posted on facebook to thank strangers for random acts of kindness; his evolving story was spellbinding. Word spread and as he walked through towns, he was interviewed for radio, newspaper and TV. DNO’s humour was not lost on his followers, after crossing the empty expanse of the Nullabour he was extatic to see a KFC so he filmed his walk through the “drive through” to buy his favourite chook. His comentary was hallarious as the check out chick delayed taking his order, choosing instead to chat with her “drive and park” boyfriend.
DNO’s cross country walk became more intense as he traversed the many towns on the east coast, more media, more fans and we wont mention the traffic comments!! Then suddenly news of Covid-19 broke, he had to change his destination from a walk onto Bondi beach to a mad heavy cart jog to Sydney Airport. DNO’s story vividly captured on Facebook and YouTube attracted a huge following, devotees started posting messages of support as he wrote of his fatigue, aches, pains and frustrations. His story was now riveting!! Finally as the country went into lock-down DNO reached Sydney airport, robbed of his planned destination and media attention to promote prevention of suicide. He handed his cart to strangers for safe keeping and flew back to the West coast. Arriving in Perth only a few hours before the state border closed, after months of walking out in the elements and through crowds, he landed in a near empty airport, one ardent fan to greet him, then was locked up for months in his Bunbury home.
DNO’s gift was sharing “The Walk for Hope” it touched all who followed him, and it inspired me to write “I Choose to Live” full of optimism, to promote prevention of suicide.
My gift to you, a reminder to cherish hope, be strong and share your life journey
because we are all more than just OK.
DNO you are outstanding!
DNO Music
Kat xxx
‘I Choose to Live’ by Gathering Heart. Lyric written by Kat Bailey. Music composed by Bailey/Fusco/Geiles/Rolfe/Strk. Arranged and produced by Gathering Heart. Executive producer – Kat Bailey. Recorded mixed and mastered by John Prosser at Vision Studios East Vic Park Western Australia with Kat Bailey and Andy Rolfe. Kat Bailey – acoustic guitars and vocals, Giovanni Fusco – bass, Trev Geiles – lead guitar, Andy Rolfe – electric rhythm guitars, Adrian Strk – drums.