Teenager releases 'heart-breaking' song about his grandmother's dementia

Harry Gardner, a talented schoolboy, has released a heart-breaking song called ‘Not Alone’ to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research UK, in honour of his grandmother who is living with Alzheimer’s disease.

The 15-year-old, who is a Grade 7 on piano, was left shocked and upset when he visited his 76-year-old grandmother, Maureen McGuinness, who had deteriorated rapidly from the disease.

After his visit, Harry decided to write a song to reflect his experience. He said: “I was aware that my Nan had Alzheimer’s but I wasn’t aware of how severe the condition would be, as I thought it would only be a short-term memory loss.

“I visited their house with my mum and we had lunch there but my Nan was not downstairs as normal. She was lying in a dark room, with no expression on her face whatsoever, with her eyes closed. I had never seen my Nan like that before and it really hit me hard.”

“I left the room so shocked. The first thing I did when we arrived back at home was sit at the piano and try and get all my emotions down into words.

“The tune and lyrics fell into place quickly. I explained all the things we did together, like when she brought chocolate when she visited, and ruffled my hair, telling me how bad it was.”

Ms Maureen, who lives in Ongar, Essex, had to retire from her Sainsbury’s checkout job when she was unable to cope with counting money. She is currently being cared for at home by her husband Owen McGuinness.

Harry believes that as a result of his music the family are finally able to talk about what has become a difficult subject.

Commenting on the significance of the song, Harry’s mother Gail Gardner, said: “The song is so special to me, but it’s also special to my mum’s ten other grandchildren, who can all relate to the line about the chocolate in the handbag.

“It was three years ago this month that I sat down with my mum playing scrabble. I knew something was wrong when she spelled joy with a G, it was really heart-breaking.

“I’m so proud that Harry wants to raise the money for Alzheimer’s Research UK, it’s not something most 15-year-olds are doing.”

Regional fundraising officer for Alzheimer’s Research UK, Jessica Hiscocks, added: “We are over the moon with Harry’s song and so impressed at how talented he is.

“At the moment there are 850,000 people across the UK living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, including more than 20,000 in Essex.

“We are so grateful to Harry for helping to raise money to fund pioneering research, and for raising awareness in the process.”

Harry’s song can be bought on iTunes for 99p at http://goo.gl/QOyIC4, with all profits going to Alzheimer’s Research UK, or it can be downloaded from Amazon Music at: https://goo.gl/AMjqNU.

Alternatively, donations can be made to Alzheimer’s Research UK through Harry’s fundraising page at: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/HarryGardnerMusic.