A SONG has been released in memory of an Aberdour teenager to help build a hospital sanctuary.

Charity single 'Cookie', released on iTunes and video, is a tribute to Christopher Coutts, who died in June 2013 aged 19 after a two-year battle with Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Written and produced by his friend, former Inverkeithing High pupil Patrick Wallace, the song has helped raise more than £48,000 for a recreational courtyard planned for the new Sick Kids Hospital, opening in Edinburgh in 2017.

It is the latest fund-raiser for The Cookie Jar Foundation, which aims to raise £50,000 for the courtyard. The charity has already raised more than £140,000 in memory of Christopher – nicknamed 'Cookie' – for several projects, including placing vein-finders in Scottish hospitals.

Patrick, 23, who now lives in Portsmouth, 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.

“I felt so privileged to be asked to write this song. I had been penning poems since Cookie’s passing so I used some of those words.

“For me, it was important that it was a family production. Producing the song and shooting the video in just two days was a challenge but it was great fun to do it with his family.”

As a legacy to Christopher, the Spiritual Care Courtyard & Sanctuary at the new hospital will provide a place for children and families to spend quiet, reflective time, meditate or pray. It is also where the bereavement support service and chaplain will be based.

Christopher's mum, 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.

“The first time hearing the completed song was very emotional for me, the words and the music are truly beautiful.

“We know that Cookie meant a lot to his friends but hearing the song really shows just how much.”

View the video at thecookiejarfoundation.co.uk/song-for-cookie/ The song can be downloaded at itunes.apple.com/gb/album/cookie-single/id1114102391.