A school in Ireland could be heading for a Christmas number one after releasing a version of the song Lean On Me to support a pupil diagnosed with cancer.

St Colman's College, a boys' school in Fermoy, County Cork, has recorded a rousing video of its pupils and music teacher recording the classic Bill Withers hit.

The song came out last week and shot to the top of the iTunes chart in Ireland, beating the likes of Mark Ronson and Miley Cyrus.

The school is now hoping people power can propel it to the top of the festive charts by downloading the song or buying the CD.

Image: Lead singer Dara O'Murchu says some of his family were surprised by his voice Pic: #colmansstandtogether

Producer Mark Cahill was brought in to help record the song with music teacher Sarah Barry and the boys, who are 15 and 16 years old.


Money raised will go to charities including Our Lady's Children's Hospital in Crumlin, Dublin, where the classmate - who has not been named - is being treated.

One of the video's stars and a supporter of the campaign is Tom Tom Cahill, who the school describes as a "real life superhero".

Now three and a half, Tom Tom was diagnosed with a grapefruit-sized tumour on his kidney when he was two and has been through chemotherapy and surgery.

His mum says that despite all he has been through "he still wakes up every morning with a song and a smile".

The lead singer on Lean On Me, Dara O'Murchu, told Sky News he was honoured but "quite nervous" after being chosen to sing the song's opening lines.

He said: "It's tough when a classmate is going through such a difficult time and sometimes it hard to know what's the right thing to do.

"The words of the song are a way for us to show our support. The song shows how no matter what's going in your life there is always someone to lean on!"

His impressive vocals also came as a surprise to some of those closest to him.

"A lot of my family members had never heard me sing and they were surprised to say the least," he said.

Teacher Claire McCarthy, who is leading the fundraising campaign, said support for their campaign had "absolutely surpassed all expectations".

"It's consumed our lives, it's a wonderful story at a time when people are busy and rushing around doing their Christmas shopping," said Ms McCarthy.

"Recording the song was really emotional - as teachers and mothers," she added.

The boys chose to record Lean On Me after having previously performed it at a carol service.

In a Facebook post, the school said: "We are all so proud of our boys. They are turning into incredible young men who would do anything to would support their friends in times of need. The future of this country is in extremely safe hands."

Social media users can share the campaign using #colmasnsstandtogether - or donate directly on their fundraising page, where they are quickly closing in on a 15,000 euro target.

Other organisations that will benefit include Bumbleance - which lays on specially designed kid-friendly ambulances, and Ronald McDonald House - a charity that provides accommodation for families while their children are being treated.