Shropshire composer celebrates after finally winning award at the UK Songwriting Contest

Stella Fullard from the Shropshire side of Llanymynech said she is delighted to have finally won the category with her song 'Mercy Bleeds' after coming so close for several years.

Her song is about the crucifixion of Jesus, and is one of several that she composed through her 52-week worship songwriting journal, in which Stella tried to write one song a week. 

The songwriter has entered the competition several times in the past and reached both the semi-finals and finals, but missed out on scooping the award. 

However, Stella beat eight other finalists to win the Christian/Faith category in the latest awards, and was over the moon.

"I am delighted," she said. "I felt sick when I found out, but I was really excited. 

"I thought it was really nice to be acknowledged and recognised. From 5,000 entries it is quite an accolade."

Stella was previously named as one of the shortlisted composers in the search for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Song in 2022.

She said she enjoys creating songs and combining her love of God and Jesus with music.

Through winning the competition, Stella won a copyright to her song and a year-long subscription to the Songwriters Guild.

The songwriter is also hoping that this can open doors for her in the industry, and said now she has finally won the category, she won't be entering again. 

Stella added: "I think I can rest now that I have won one. I might bow out gracefully and leave it at that now. 

"I think this will be the last time I enter it because I always wanted to win it in the Christian category and now I have done that. I am just hoping that it might get me recognised and open some doors, but we will see.

"I know it isn’t the most popular genre but it is a big part of me and it is what I like to write about."