A MUM who was inspired to produce a collection of songs following the loss of her young son is now providing her album free to other bereaved families.

Musician Jenny McGregor, who grew up in North Berwick, created her album Love and Let Go after losing her eldest son Jamie to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) when he was just 18 months old.

Turning to music to help as she struggled to come to terms with her loss, Jenny found there was a huge lack of music written about, and by, people who had lost a child.

The 34-year-old – who now lives in Sydney with husband Ben and their two younger children Charlie, six, and Sophie, three – was determined to write her own songs.

After launching a Kickstarter campaign to raise 25,000 Australian dollars to professionally produce the album, it was finally launched this February.

All proceeds from sales of the CD and downloads go to Red Nose, the charity which supported Jenny and her family following Jamie’s death in 2010.

Any bereaved parents looking for support can contact Jenny through her website for a link which will let them download the special collection of songs free of charge.

Speaking to the Courier as she visited family in North Berwick this month, Jenny said: “The impact the album has had on so many people has been quite overwhelming.

“It was about letting grieving parents know they are not alone. I’ve had many people contact me to express how much the music has meant to them.

“One woman said she gave the album to her mother who had stillborn triplets 30 years ago. At that time the babies were just taken away and mums discouraged from holding them.

“She had never talked about it but suddenly the floodgates opened.

“So many people don’t talk about it or don’t know what to say; you can feel very isolated when it happens to you.

“I am glad I am helping others open up and deal with their grief.”

Jenny travelled to East Lothian to visit family this month and spent time with dad Brian, stepmum Marie and younger siblings Louise and Kevin at the family home in North Berwick.

She credited dad Brian with giving her a start in her musical career.

Jenny said: “Dad played the guitar and we took piano lessons together when I was seven. He showed me basic composition techniques and I went away and practised and practised. I love writing music and creating songs and it comes from childhood.”

Part of Jenny’s fundraising to produce the album included offering to write personalised songs for people for a $500 donation.

Several people took up the offer and then donated their songs to help bereaved parents.

Jenny is currently working on producing the personalised songs and is considering returning to the studio for a second album.

She said: “The personalised songs are really special and meaningful and it is something I enjoy doing and am exploring doing more with. A second album is being considered but it has to have meaning.”

Meanwhile, Brian said he was incredibly proud of his daughter’s achievements in music and life.

He said: “Jenny is generous in crediting me – she surpassed me quickly on the piano.

“I am incredibly proud of her achievements both with the album and the fact it is helping people and making a difference to other families.”

Any bereaved parents or family members affected by a loss can contact Jenny for a free download of her album at her website jennymcgregor.com.au