A volunteer from South Croydon has been inspired by her time supporting people affected by dementia to write a song for charity.
The single ‘Forget Me Not’ penned by Sandra Willans will launch at a special concert on October 28, at St Matthews Church in Croydon, to mark Alzheimer’s Society’s 40th Anniversary.
Sandra has been a volunteer for Alzheimer’s Society’s Singing for the Brain service in Croydon for nearly four years, where she sings, plays the piano, and assists guests.
To help make her vision a reality, she has recruited fellow volunteers Sarah Vaughan of classical-pop cross over group Ida to provide vocals and Daniel Steiner, Dementia Support worker, to orchestrate the single.
Sarah was also joined on the track by 20 members of the Singing for the Brain group who took part in a recording session to help piece the song together.
Sandra said: “Every week, I see how music touches the lives of those living with dementia at Croydon Singing for the Brain and I was inspired by them when writing the lyrics.
"I am so thrilled that they are also singing on the recording.”
“I woke up with the melody running round in my head one Sunday morning, and the rest just followed in a couple of hours.
"I hope the words will encourage families to sing the song, or any song, with their loved ones and share the joy of music making together, and the stories and memories that may follow.”
Peter Edwards, Alzheimer’s Society Singing for the Brain Leader in Croydon added that he was delighted Sandra had chosen to support the charity.
"She has been a tower of strength for the group in her role as Singing for the Brain volunteer," he said.
"The song is really inspiring and highlights the important message that people with dementia are still the same person they were prior to their diagnosis. Sandra has created a wonderful celebration of the power of what we call ‘music and dementia in harmony’.”
The proceeds of the charity single will support Alzheimer’s Society’s Singing for the Brain service which brings people affected by dementia together in a fun, social and stimulating activity.
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