Dementia patients link up with choir to release Miley Cyrus song for charity
Local people living with illness tell of their pride at recording
A choir that includes people living with dementia has released a song to raise money for a support charity.
Thirteen members of Dementia NI teamed up with the Rock Choir to record a cover of Miley Cyrus’ The Climb. Its release follows World Alzheimer’s Day on Saturday.
All proceeds will be given to Dementia NI.
The charity said the song challenges commonly-held misconceptions about dementia.
A video was recorded in Ulster University and features members of Dementia NI singing with the Rock Choir and its leader Rachel Coulter.
One of the singers, Martin Murtagh (73) from Belfast, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s 10 years ago.
“I’m extremely proud of The Climb,” he said.
“I was nervous to begin with, but there was a very supportive vibe between Dementia NI members and Rock Choir members.
“I felt part of something special and it gave me a great thrill to be involved. Some people think that because you’ve got dementia you haven’t got a voice.
“We, the Dementia NI members, are proving that we have got a voice and can take part in things and speak for ourselves.”
Another contributor, Allison Batchelor (64) from Belfast, also has Alzheimer’s. She said she loved working on the song.
“The social side of the project was fantastic. Being part of a choir featuring people with and without dementia, all joining in together, felt good,” she said.
“I hope this shows that, with the right support, people with dementia can be included in all sorts of groups and activities.
“I also think the message of The Climb is very relevant for people with a diagnosis as it’s about realising that life won’t be an easy or smooth road, but you’ll get to the top if you keep going.”
Rock Choir began in 2005 in Surrey and is open to anyone. It has over 33,000 members in the UK and was launched in Belfast two years ago, with 400 members in Northern Ireland.
Ms Coulter said: “I am immensely proud to have been involved with this collaborative project between Rock Choir and Dementia NI.
“Dementia is a condition that impacts so many people’s lives, including members of my own family. Those affected can feel disconnected and unseen.
“Music has an ability to connect and unite people and this is especially powerful when individuals are feeling isolated and vulnerable.
“Watching the Rock Choir members and Dementia NI members work collectively as a team and grow in confidence as the workshops progressed was one of the most humbling experiences of my career.”
Dementia NI was founded by people living with the illness in 2015. It runs 15 empowerment groups throughout the province.
Karen Kerr, head of engagement at the charity, said: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to the entire Rock Choir team for working with us to create this fantastic version of The Climb.
“And special credit must go to every Dementia NI member who worked hard to bring the song and video to life.”
