Caden Beggan's father releases charity single for Yorkhill Hospital in memory of his son

Dec 12 2012 by Robert Mitchell, Wishaw Press

Caden's Song (My First Christmas)

The father of little Caden Beggan has released a charity single in memory of his “brave warrior” who lost a battle with meningitis.

David Beggan penned the tribute called Caden’s Song (My First Christmas) and all proceeds will go to the Yorkhill Children’s Foundation.

A host of Scottish musicians have endorsed the project and have asked their fans to lend their support by buying the single, including Wet Wet Wet and Hue and Cry.

David is joined on the recording by Union State (a Scottish band which comprises close family and friends including Caden’s aunt), singer-songwriter JJ Gilmour (formerly of The Silencers), Graeme Duffin (guitarist with Wet Wet Wet and now of the Foundry Music Lab in Motherwell) and close friend and fellow composer David Lyon.

He said: “Angela, Declan and Ethan and I are in mourning for Caden and it has been a really difficult time. We miss him more than we can say.

“We wanted to say thank you to Yorkhill Hospital and all of the medical teams there especially the Blue Angels who were so compassionate to Caden and ourselves.

“The purpose of the song is to raise money for the hospital and to leave a memorial for Caden and his struggle.

“We have been so grateful for all of the support and prayers offered on our behalf so far and want to wish everyone who has supported us a happy Christmas and a peaceful new year.”

Shona Cardle, chief executive at Yorkhill Children’s Foundation said: “In light of the very sad loss of Caden Beggan, we are honoured to have established the Caden Beggan Memorial Fund at Yorkhill Children’s Foundation.

“We hope to honour and celebrate the life of a very special little boy for many years to come, providing a legacy that will ultimately help and support sick children and their families from throughout Scotland and beyond.

“We would like to also give our full backing to Caden’s Song (My First Christmas).

“This is a beautiful song, which we would like to encourage people to download today. Please help us to remember Caden Beggan, an incredibly special little boy, whose memory will go on to help support other sick children across Scotland.”

JJ Gilmour said: “It was an honour to be asked to sing on the track. Caden’s death was a real tragedy but his fight inspired so many all across the world. I’d encourage everyone to buy the single. Everything’s going to Yorkhill and it’ll make a real difference.”

The single can be downloaded via iTunes and Spotify. It was produced at the Foundry Music Lab, who donated the cost of the studio time.