A song has been released in memory of a Fife teenager who died of cancer, to help build a hospital sanctuary in his name.
Cookie is about Christopher Coutts, of Aberdour, who died three years ago after a two-year battle with Hodgkins lymphoma.
It is written and performed by his friend Patrick Wallace, who now lives in Portsmouth, to help raise over £48,000 for a recreational courtyard at Edinburgh’s new Sick Kids Hospital.
It is the latest fundraiser for the Cookie Jar Foundation which has already collected over £140,000 in tribute to Christopher, nicknamed Cookie, for several projects including placing vein finders in Scottish hospitals.
Patrick, 23, a former pupil of Inverkeithing High School, has released his single and video on iTunes.
He said: “Cookie was always making people laugh with his cheeky and silly sense of humour but he was also so kind.
“I have so many fond memories of him, his brother Steven and I playing football and hanging out.
“One that always sticks in my mind is when we were bouncing on his trampoline which had a net around it.
“At that time Cookie had a brace and somehow he managed to get it stuck in the net – and we just kept bouncing!
“It’s fun memories like that, which inspired the lyrics but also about how much he is missed by everyone that knew him.”
An ever-lasting legacy to Christopher, the Spiritual Care Courtyard and Sanctuary at the new hospital will provide a place for children and families to spend quiet, reflective time, meditate or pray.
It will also be the base of the bereavement support service and chaplain.
Christopher’s mother Debbie, who founded the Cookie Jar Foundation in 2014, said: “When Christopher was in hospital we could only either sit in the corridor, next to his bed or in the staff overnight room.
“There was a real lack of space for families to relax.
“Working with the Sick Kids Friends Foundation means that we will have the opportunity to ensure that the new hospital’s facilities meet the requirements needed at such a stressful time for families.
“We were delighted when Patrick agreed to release a single to help raise funds for the courtyard.
“He was such a dear friend to Cookie and was always there for him and for his brother.”
Debbie described hearing the song for the first time as an emotional moment and said: “We know that Cookie meant a lot to his friends but hearing the song really shows just how much.”
Pippa Johnston, director of fundraising and marketing at the Sick Kids Friends Foundation, said: “We are so grateful that the Cookie Jar Foundation continues to support our work.
“When a sick child comes to hospital there can be no better reassurance than to know that they have a parent at their bedside.
“However parents and carers also need support through difficult and stressful times.
“By enhancing the family spaces, which include the Spiritual Courtyard and Sanctuary, we can provide a refuge for anxious parents, allowing somewhere for reflection, rest and peace.”
Cookie is available for download at iTunes.
The video is at The Cookie Jar Foundation website.
