A football anthem with a heart is helping to raise funds for children’s hospices.
Titled Funny How Scotland Won Every World Cup (When We Were Young), the nostalgic tune was written by David Houston, chief executive of Brian House Children’s Hospice in Blackpool.
Born in Glasgow and raised in Milngavie, David penned the track as a tribute to childhood dreams – especially those of football-mad children in Scotland, who once imagined lifting the World Cup.
He said: "This song is really about growing up as a Scot.
"That sense of belief you have as a child, when anything feels possible.
"Even if Scotland didn’t win the World Cup, in our minds, we did."
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The song blends that football nostalgia with a serious purpose, aiming to raise awareness and funds for vital children’s hospice care at a time when services are under mounting financial pressure.
Behind the humour and fond memories is a message about the urgent funding challenges facing hospices that support children and families with life-limiting conditions.
David said: "Here at Brian House, we are in the terrible position of being the second-least funded children’s hospice in the UK.
"We receive just 11% of dedicated funding for Brian House from the state."
David hopes the track will raise not only smiles, but much-needed support for both Brian House and Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).
Brian House and CHAS both provide specialist care, respite, and emotional support to children with life-limiting conditions and their families.
David said: "Football brings people together like nothing else.
"If we can capture even a fraction of that energy and turn it into support for children’s hospices, it could make a real difference.
"You don’t have to run a marathon or take on a challenge.
"Just press play.
"Every listen helps support the children and families who need us."
The song, released to coincide with Scotland’s recent fixture against Brazil, is a reminder of childhood innocence and the power of dreams – while serving as a call to action for families in need of help from hospice care.
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Rami Okasha, CHAS chief executive, said: "There won't be many people who have managed to avoid World Cup fever this past few weeks, so what an incredible gesture from David to turn that nostalgia and excitement into a wonderful fundraising effort for both Brian House and CHAS.
"The song is an embodiment of how the World Cup brings people together, and we are hugely grateful to David for bringing together his personal and professional life to shine a light on the work in children's hospices across the UK, particularly during Children's Hospice Week."
The song is available to stream on Spotify, and listeners are encouraged to add it to playlists and share it with friends and family.
Every stream helps raise both awareness and funds for hospice care in Blackpool and across Scotland.
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