Alzheimer’s Society’s Singing for the Brain groups have launched a bid for chart success with an emotional song that aims to highlight what is still possible after being diagnosed with the condition, and to raise funds for research and support.
Never Will Forget (John’s Song) was penned by songwriter and radio presenter Ian Calvert. Ian was inspired to write the song and raise funds for charity, having witnessed his father-in-law’s physical and mental health deteriorate due to dementia.
In partnership with Peninsula Arts at Plymouth University and Alzheimer’s Society, the song has now been released for download in a bid to heighten awareness of the effects of dementia and raise vital funds to support the charity’s work.
And while Ian assumes the role of lead vocalist, his backing singers are made up of people with dementia and their carers, all members of Alzheimer’s Society’s Singing for the Brain groups from Plymouth.
Ian Calvert, who has been a TV and radio presenter in the South West for four decades, said:
“I’ll never forget seeing my father-in-law deteriorate from being a sharp minded and wonderful husband, father and successful businessman, into a shadow of himself. I just want to make people more aware of what my father-in-law and his family went through. I’m extremely proud of the song and hope people like it – but I also hope they listen to the message, as it will give them a much greater understanding of the condition.”
Doreen Abbot, a participant of the Singing for the Brain group, said:
“I was thrilled that our group took part in the recording of this song. Singing for the Brain is so important to many people with dementia and their carers, and it goes to show that people can live well with dementia, you can see it in their smiles each week.”