A music producer from the UK has teamed up with Bermuda's Run For Freedom organisers to create a modern version of anti-slavery hymn 'Amazing Grace'.

The song — symbolising English politician William Wilberforce's emancipation movement — will be distributed in Bermuda as campaigners generate support for next March's run raising awareness about the plight of millions of modern day slaves.

It comes after record producer Charles Bailey got in touch with Wilberforce's great-great-great granddaughter Charlotte Wilberforce, who is leading the campaign in Bermuda.

Mr. Bailey wanted to get involved after seeing a TV article in the UK about a Run For Freedom Ms Wilberforce organised in London eight months ago.

Ms Wilberforce said: "He said he saw the piece and he was really impressed with what we are doing. I told him about Amazing Grace and he has come up with this modern tune.

"It's quite mellow but catchy — you can play it sitting down and relaxing or when you're out and about. We're trying to work out how we can distribute it now.

"It ties in with what we are trying to do with the Run For Freedom — the African tribes used to hum the Amazing Grace tune. It's about remembrance for what happened, and also raising awareness for modern day slaves."

Ms Wilberforce is hoping to launch the song in conjunction with MTV, the international music channel which has already announced plans to broadcast Bermuda's Run For Freedom.

It is hoped an accompanying video could also be made in Bermuda, although this could prove expensive as equipment would have to be brought into the Island.

The Run For Freedom date has been put back one week to March 30 after organisers realised the original date is Easter Sunday. They wanted to pick the nearest Sunday possible to the anniversary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act.

The run is likely to be between two and four miles in or around Hamilton, and intends to put pressure on global leaders to end the captivity of more than 12 million men, women and children across the world, while raising cash for anti-slavery coalition Stop The Traffik and a local charity.

So far, more than 50 runners have signed up either to the event in Bermuda or for a simultaneous Run For Freedom in London, also organised by Ms Wilberforce. Numbers are expected to increase significantly as the campaign steps up in the New Year.

A fitness expert has been lined up to help would-be runners get into shape after Christmas, and a book club could also be set up to give people the chance to discuss publications on Bermuda's history.

Meanwhile, Ms Wilberforce has been in touch with a number of international sportswear firms seeking sponsorship for Run For Freedom T-shirts. Bermuda companies have also expressed an interest, including Bermuda Executive Services, which is currently the main sponsor.

Martin Bashir, a well-known British journalist with a personal interest in William Wilberforce's achievements, has pledged his support for the London run, and Ms Wilberforce is hoping to convince him to take part.

She revealed she had found it more difficult to gain backing from London Mayor Ken Livingstone, who made headlines earlier this year when he wept while apologising for the role London and its institutions played in the slave trade.

She said she has made a number of efforts to contact Mr. Livingstone, and left messages on what seems to be his Facebook site, but has received no response.

"He did a big heartfelt sorry for the past, but doesn't seem to want to get involved with what's happening now," said Ms Wilberforce. "He's the Mayor of London. He should be aware of what's going on."

Ms Wilberforce said she is now more determined than ever to make the run a success.

She recently heard an Iranian woman speak about girls who are forced into a life of captivity as the wives of older men.

"It's just another example," she said. "It's awful. You think you have heard as much as you possibly can, and then something else comes up.

"We have got a really good team of volunteers at Run For Freedom. It's taking shape. There's a lot of confidence from people that it's going to do well."

The Royal Gazette has been marking the bicentenary of the Slave Trade Act with its Break The Chains campaign, which encourages people to sign Anti-Slavery International's on-line petition calling for world leaders to take action to end all forms of human captivity, including human trafficking, child labour, bonded labour and forced marriage.

To sign the petition, visit www.antislavery.org/2007/actionsign. For more information, e-mail tsmith[AT]royalgazette.bm.