A talented singer-songwriter has released a single to mark the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Rachel Hill is already over halfway to hitting her £500 fundraising goal with ‘White Rabbit’.

Proceeds are going to Save the Children’s Ukraine Appeal.

The 23-year-old, who is currently based in Sherborne, said: “The song was written a couple of months following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine.

“I remember seeing an image of a small white children’s toy amongst the rubble, around the time of the Mariupol Maternity Hospital bombing.

“I’ve never been able to find the image since, but the profound effect of it stayed with me and inspired the lyrics for this single.

“I hope that this song will demonstrate the power music has to unite people and to move them towards action.

“If you can, please find a couple of minutes to watch the lyric video here.

“If the song moves you, please consider donating to my JustGiving page here.”

The release of ‘White Rabbit’ comes just a month after Rachel’s most recent single – ‘Peaches and Cigars’ – came out at the end of January.

The music video was shot by Rachel and her partner, Luke Tutton, at Durdle Door on a cold January afternoon at golden hour.

Rachel said: “We’re both very much amateurs at videography and directing but were pleased with the result.”

‘Peaches and Cigars’ has already received support from BBC Introducing, being played on BBC Radio Solent shortly before release.

It has also received radio play from The South Coast Music Show and Abbey Radio based in Sherborne.

Rachel said: “The single [on YouTube here] itself describes the push and pull between head and heart in a new relationship.

“While the song isn’t autobiographical it is written about my experiences witnessing other relationships where friends have been torn between falling for someone and steering themselves away from warning signs.

“This conflict between head and heart is demonstrated throughout the song with all of the contrasting imagery (including the title).

“The siren’s call, which shapes the end of the song, is both beautiful and ominous.”

Rachel, who is a folk-inspired, self-managed and independent artist, has had her vocals described as ‘gorgeous, commanding and enchanting’ by Indie Top 39.

Reviewers say the clarity of tone within her higher register, gleaned from years of training as a classical soprano, allows her melodies to dance around effortlessly in a way which has been repeatedly likened to birdsong.

A wealth of powerfully emotive female singer-songwriters, including Birdy, Gabrielle Aplin, Phoebe Bridgers and Billie Eilish, have been cited by Rachel as key influences.

She also has a background in choral and acapella singing.

Future plans include the release of her album ‘Words Left Unsaid’ this summer.

‘Teaser’ singles preceding it include ‘Blue Southwestern Skies’, illustrating Rachel’s ties to Dorset and the South West.

The song was written for her mum, Heather Hill.

She hopes to release it on Friday March 17, just before the anniversary of when Rachel first performed it at home.

A music video will also include lots of Dorset landscapes.

Rachel said: “Further into the future, Luke and I are hoping to move to London so that I can make the most of the musical opportunities there .

“I am also in the initial stages of planning a tour of Northern Germany in the autumn, following a successful house concert tour a few months ago.”

• rachelhillmusic.com