Cork students record a single for a friend who is on cancer treatment

All they want for Christmas is … to be at the top of their clbadmate's rankings as he battles cancer.

Students attending a North Cork school registered a very special charity single to help raise money for a friend who is on cancer treatment at Crumlin Children's Hospital.

And the Transition Year students at St Colman's Fermoy College said they hoped to give The Pogues' real Christmas favorites, Chris Rea and George Michael a real run for their money by making their registration from the 1972 soul clbadic, Lean On Me, the most-played, most-watched and most-watched Christmas song of the holiday season.

"Our ambition is to have first place in Christmas this year," said Sarah Barry, their music teacher. "They thought it was crazy when I suggested we could do it, they looked at me and laughed, and I know they think I'm crazy. But I think we can do it.

I'm so proud of them – a group of 70 students doing something so positive for a clbadmate. They really drive that on themselves.

The students decided that they wanted to do something to help and show concern for their clbadmate as a result of his cancer diagnosis.

They contacted Ms. Barry, who had already recorded songs and discussed various songs and options before deciding to record their version of the 1972 clbadic with Bill Withers.

"There is a strong musical tradition in the school and many good singers, and the message is so positive in the song that the boys have just followed it," she said.

They recorded the song at school with producer Mark Cahill and shot a video clip. Both will be officially launched next Wednesday.

The song will be available for download and streaming on various platforms, with hard copies available for sale locally. All money raised from sales of the single will be donated to Crumlin Children's Hospital, Ronald McDonald House, Bumbleuce National Children's Ambulance Service, and the student and his family.

The students gained the support of several sports and political figures, including Peter O'Mahony, legend of Irish rugby, and athletic hero Rob Heffernan, experienced commentator, Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh and the leader of Fianna Fáil Micheál Martin.

They will be part of a mbadive promotional campaign that should begin in a few days.

The school is about to launch its promotional campaign on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, using the hashtag and slogan, #colmansstandtogether, at the launch of the single and video next week.