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The Piano contestant to perform in Playlist for Life fundraiser
Romy McCahill, who appeared in series two of Channel 4's The Piano, will perform in support of Playlist for Life.
Shoppers in Glasgow will have the opportunity to watch Romy McCahill, a contestant from the popular TV show The Piano, perform in support of the music and dementia charity Playlist for Life. The special fundraising event will take place at Princes Square on Buchanan Street on Sunday 15 September.
Romy was inspired by her Nana who lived with dementia to learn the piano, will take to the keys to help raise awareness and funds for the award-winning charity that advocates for the use of personal playlists in dementia care.
Romy’s performance will coincide with the run-up to National Playlist Day, a UK-wide awareness campaign led by Playlist for Life. Launched in 2022, National Playlist Day encourages people to create personal playlists from songs that make up the soundtrack of their lives, which could be used in their care plan in the event they are diagnosed with dementia.
Scientific studies have shown that personal playlists can benefit people living with dementia by reducing agitation and anxiety, improving mood, making personal care tasks more manageable, and in some cases, reducing the need for medication. For instance, a health and social care team in Fife reported an 80% reduction in medication use after incorporating personal playlists into dementia care.
Speaking about supporting Playlist for Life and performing at Princes Square, Romy said:
“I have played piano my whole life, and I have my wonderful Nana, Iris, to thank for that. She was an incredibly talented, self-taught pianist who could play anything by ear. Sadly, we lost her to Alzheimer’s disease in 2016. Despite the challenges of the disease, her musical gift remained with her. Playlist for Life is an incredible organisation, and I’m honoured and excited to support a cause that means so much to my family and me.”
Michael Timmons, Executive Director of Playlist for Life, said:
“We’re very grateful to Romy for dedicating her time and talent in support of Playlist for Life. Music has obviously been a huge part of Romy’s life with her love of playing the piano being inspired by her grandmother Iris and paving the way for her to amaze TV audiences appearing on The Piano on Channel 4. While Romy and her family will have undoubtedly faced challenges during Iris’ journey with Alzheimer’s, Romy’s story is proof that music can shine a light on the shadows and keep loved ones connected.
“That’s why it’s our mission to ensure everyone living with dementia to has access to a personal playlist and those who love and care for them know how to use it. Fundraising events like this help us keep our resources free to anyone who needs them and so we thank Romy, the team at Princes Square and shoppers for their kind support.”
Could you donate to support our work?
Playlist for Life is a music and dementia charity sharing the power of personalised music with anyone affected by dementia.
All our resources are freely available at no cost to families who could benefit from them.
Please help us to keep our support free to any family affected by dementia.
