The latest music video by renowned musician Tony Christie has a heartwarming touch of involvement from Swindon’s Singing for the Brain Freshbrook group, thanks to the efforts of local man, Nick Moran.
Nick’s motivation to include the group stemmed from his mother, Maureen, who is bravely battling Alzheimer’s disease and is an active participant in the Alzheimer’s Society’s singing group.
Singer Tony Christie, 80, revealed in January that he has been diagnosed with dementia. In collaboration with the dementia charity Music 4 Dementia, he recorded the song “Thank You for Being A Friend,” which features contributions from music legends such as Sting and Nile Rodgers, paying tribute to the original version by performer Andrew Gold in 1978.
Singing for the Brain groups, organised by the Alzheimer’s Society, bring together individuals impacted by dementia to sing beloved songs in a fun and supportive environment. Nick’s mother, Maureen, who usually attends the group alongside her husband Dick, was particularly delighted to be a part of the music video. In the footage, she can be seen joyfully dancing and performing for the camera.
The music video also showcases Nottingham’s Our Dementia Choir, which is led by actor and Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador Vicky McClure.
Nick shared, “Caring for my mum two days a week is why I took on this project. Mum has Alzheimer’s disease, and she absolutely loves going to Singing for the Brain. When we arrive at the group, she recognises the familiar surroundings, and being in a social environment allows her to engage and interact with others.”
He added, “Although she can’t sing, she dances around and shakes the tambourine, just like she’s part of Pan’s People. The group provides respite for everyone involved. Mum has always been passionate about singing and dancing; she’s usually the first one on the dance floor at weddings. She was actively singing in the group until recently, finding it therapeutic and stimulating for her brain. She feels sharper afterward.”
Karen Owen, the Alzheimer’s Society Group Co-ordinator for Swindon, expressed her delight in welcoming Nick and his camera to the Swindon Freshbrook Singing for the Brain group. She praised the therapeutic benefits of music for those living with dementia, providing a safe space for individuals to enjoy music in their own way. Singing ability isn’t required, and some prefer to simply listen, while others enthusiastically participate with actions or singing their favorite tunes.
Karen added, “We cherish having Maureen in the Singing for the Brain group, and we’ve enjoyed getting to know Dick and Nick. Maureen gains so much from these sessions, always being the first one on her feet to dance, inspiring others to join in.”
Alzheimer’s Society extends its support to everyone affected by dementia through its website alzheimers.org.uk and the dementia support line on 0333 150 3456.
If you or a loved one could benefit from attending Singing for the Brain sessions, you can contact Karen at 01793 485404 or email swindon@alzheimers.org.uk.
