A STUDENT has released her own version of the Coldplay song Fix You as tribute to her friend who took his life and to support a mental health charity.

Molly Smout, who is supporting the charity PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide, hopes to raise awareness of the difficulties young people face with their mental health, after losing her close friend, Alastair McDonald, from Malvern, who took his own life in May last year.

Molly, aged 19, from Powick said: “Everyone goes through tough times in their lifetime. Before Alastair, I was completely unaware of the high number of suicides among young people in the UK. All I want to do is raise awareness and help support people that may be struggling.

“Alastair always encouraged me to record my music and supported me, so this single is a perfect tribute to him.”

Molly, who is a first year student in Early Childhood at Worcester University, recorded the single alongside the Malvern-based Divas women’s choir, which she is a member of, at a recording studio in Malvern.

The choir also includes members of the university’s counselling service and former students of the university. The charity single is free to play online, and aims to encourage listeners to donate.

She chose the song because Alastair, who she met while they were at Dyson Perrins Sixth Form together in Malvern, had been a fan of Coldplay so it gave the piece an even more personal meaning.

“When we sing that song, he is always there with me,” she added.

Molly said: “I have previously suffered with mental health issues myself and sometimes you just need someone to talk to when you are feeling low. If someone who is going through a difficult time hears this song, I hope it helps and makes them realise that they are not alone.”

Molly has been singing for 13 years and had previously raised £350 for PAPYRUS through another song she recorded in her bedroom at Christmas, which she put online.

Following this success, she decided to step up her efforts, so recruited the choir’s help and a recording studio to create a more professional sound.

After graduating, Molly hopes to pursue a career in child and adolescent mental health, to help young people who may be experiencing difficulties with their mental health. She is now in the process of becoming a PAPYRUS volunteer champion, working closely with the charity on future fundraising and giving talks to young people.

To listen to the single, visit bit.ly/2WqHHKu

To donate to Molly’s fundraising campaign, go to uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MollySmout1

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