A FOUNDATION set up in memory of a schoolgirl who died of a rare infection is set to benefit from a charity single.

Money raised from the sales of this years Factor Essex finalists track will go towards the Karis May Darling Foundation.

The charity was set up by the family of 12-year-old Karis May Darling, from Corringham, who died suddenly two years ago after contracting a streptococcus A infection.

The single aims to help under-privileged children achieve their sports and performing arts dreams.

The 21 finalists of the Factor Essex 2013 talent competition recorded a cover of “Flying without Wings” which was pre-released online Tuesday.

The official release day for the track is Monday, August 5.

Lee Knell, founder of the Factor Essex competition, said: “The single is an opportunity for the finalists to raise money for the charity and get there voices on a record. Normally it is just another part of the competition but this year we’re making a big deal of it. We’ve got a really good feeling and could even make the charts.

“Last year we chose Great Ormond Street Hospital as our charity but we felt like little fish in a big pond. This time we wanted to do something on a more personal level, and a few of our finalists actually knew Karis. It’s fantastic to help a local Essex charity.”

Competition organisers chose “Flying without Wings” as their charity single following a meeting with Karis’s parents John and Kerri Darling.

The couple visited a medium ahead of the competition who told them the song would play a big part in her life.

John, 45, said: “It’s absolutely fantastic that the organisers want to help us when they could have chosen any charity. Karis always wanted to be famous and now this song is helping to get her name out there. Obviously things aren’t how we would want them to be, but this is something really positive.

“I listen to the single every morning on my way to work, it really is very moving.”

Money raised from the track will help buy state of the art equipment for a community centre the family are opening in Corringham Park to provide sport and performing arts classes.

To view the “Flying without wings” video visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=J15ZwVKeNc8.

For more information on the charity go to www.karismaydarlingfoundation.org.uk.