A WOMAN who suffers from a rare type of dementia was serenaded by Hardwicke Circus' frontman as he brought her love of live music to her as she can no longer attend gigs.
Ann Westcott, who suffers from posterior cortical atrophy Alzheimers, has been the focus of music events across Cumbria since 2015.
Feel The Blues events have been organised by her partner Graeme, and in the process, he has been raising thousands of pounds for the Alzheimer’s Society.
"It came about as a way of raising awareness for Alzheimers but also to spread the idea of how music can help those affected by the degenerative disease," Graeme said.
"You can tell Ann is really enjoying the music in the video, for Ann, you can see her enjoying the music and that's what it's all about.
"To have Jonny there was incredible," he said.
Hardwicke Circus have been grabbing attention at Feel The Blues events since first performing in 2022, it only seemed right that the next port of call would be a visit to Ann herself at Dalton Court Care Home.
The band's Jonny Foster said: "Over the years, Graeme has done so much for Alzheimers foundation all with Ann in mind.
"Graeme, after the last Feel The Blues, invited us to the home where Ann is living.
"He asked if I would play some songs for her, Ann's reaction was fairly spectacular.
"She clearly resonates with music, whatever she's feeling or whatever she's going through she still has a huge affinity with music.
"When you watch the video, it's a testament to the positive power music can have on people's lives regardless of their situation.
"Graeme is doing this from a place of Ann at the centre of everything and that's inspiring him to put on the gigs - it's been great to be a part of it," he said.
Tony Hyndman, treasurer of UK Blues Federation, reached out to Graeme to share his gratitude for all he has done for the Alzheimer's Society.
"My Mother also suffers from dementia and although she no longer remembers me, she seems to light up whenever she hears a song that meant something to her in her past.
"She may not remember the event but it is clear that the emotions that the music gives her are still as strong as they must have been when she first heard it," he said.
Jade Trafford, Alzheimer’s Society fundraiser for Cumbria and Lancashire said: "Graeme is a dedicated fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Society and does so much to raise awareness of dementia.
"His devotion to Ann is inspiring and we’re so grateful for his enthusiasm and determination. His ongoing fundraising supports our efforts to offer help and hope to people across the country who are living with dementia.”
The next Feel The Blues will be held on May 28, which will feature the UK Blues Award finalists Brave Rival, alongside Whitehaven's Mama Sang Blues Band and Dumfries' Reiver - tickets available via TopTable Promotions.
This Sunday (April, 23), Redfish Blues Band: Sunday Blues Jam will be held at Carlisle's Club Britannia.
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