York Band’s Heartfelt Song Pays Tribute To Grandparents Affected By Dementia

HealthMind & Body

York-based indie-rockers Talk More are raising funds for Alzheimer’s Society with a heartfelt song about a band member’s grandparents struggling to come to terms with dementia.

Singer and guitarist Alex Townsley penned the song, I’m Trying to Cope, after reading a note written by his grandad George to wife Glenis, who is living with the condition.

The 26-year-old said: “My nana was diagnosed with dementia about 10 years ago and lives in a care home in Selby now. The song is written from the perspective of my grandad as her carer.

“Alzheimer’s is an awful disease and, sadly, my gran doesn’t know who I am anymore. But one of the hardest things for me is seeing the effect all of this has had on my grandad. I don’t think people appreciate the impact this awful disease has on carers, because their lives are never the same again either.”

The band, who have enjoyed airplay on both BBC Radio York and BBC 1 Introducing, are donating 100% of any streaming revenue from the song to Alzheimer’s Society.

Alex, whose day job is teaching music production to children with special needs, said: “We wanted to donate all proceeds to Alzheimer’s Society as we can see the fantastic work they do.

“It’s great to think we will be raising funds to help support people living with dementia and to fund research to one day find a cure.”

He added: “I was so lucky growing up because my grandparents were perfect. My grandad George worked as an engineer on board the QE2 and later owned a sweet shop. He’s always had lots of interesting stories to tell about his life.

“To be honest, I had mixed emotions writing about something that was so personal to me and was nervous about letting grandad hear it, but thankfully he loves it.”

Leah Bull, Community Fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Society, said: “Following a difficult year for people with dementia, we are in awe of supporters like Alex his band Talk More, whose brilliant fundraising efforts will enable us to reach more people through our vital services, like the Dementia Connect support line.

 “Our services have been used more than six million times since March 2020 and have been a lifeline to thousands, but there are so many more who urgently need our help.”

Leah added: “As well as downloading the excellent I’m Trying to Cope, people can support Alzheimer’s Society in a variety of ways by visiting our website at www.alzheimers.org.uk

“They might also consider signing up for Memory Walk, which takes place at Castle Howard, York, on October 3.”

For more information about Memory Walk, visit;

www.memorywalk.org.uk

Talk More’s single I’m Trying to Cope is available to buy or stream on available on all streaming platforms.

https://talkmore.bandcamp.com/track/trying-to-cope

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