The Songaminute Man
2302. Simon McDermott
Simon McDermott, from Blackburn, has been dedicated to raising funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s charities ever since his videos of singing with his father Ted in his car went viral in 2016.
Ted, a former singer known as ‘The Songaminute Man’ was diagnosed with dementia in 2013, and Simon gave up his professional career to return home and support his mother in caring for Ted. He found that music helped calm Ted, and started recording him singing on car journeys, sharing the footage on social media. This soon attracted hundreds of thousands of followers, and provided a platform for people to share their own experiences of caring for loved ones with dementia, as well as raising money for charity.
The pair have now raised over £150,000 for various charities such as ‘Alzheimer’s Society’, ‘Alzheimer’s Research UK’ and local dementia groups.
Simon said:
“We are so honoured to receive a Points of Light Award! A huge shout out must go to the thousands of people who donated – many of whom were in the same situation that we are in. We share this award with them and, of course, my mother who stands by my Dad constantly. The impact of dementia on both individuals and their families and carers is enormous and there are no rule-books about how to cope. But a dementia diagnosis doesn’t have to be the end – it’s just a different part of life. Keep singing – it’s not over yet!”
Find out more about ‘The Songaminute Man’