Residents of the Knowles Care Home in Coventry got a wonderful surprise as the TV & West End star paid them a special visit.
Phantom of the Opera star, Dave Willets, who has been one of the country’s leading musical actors for years, brought his guitar along to entertain the residents, some of whom are living with dementia.
Dave Willets played the Phantom, and also Jean Valjean in Les Misérables in the west end and was a huge hit with the residents.
“I have been to quite a few ‘Singing for the Brain’ sessions [a UK-wide initiative] provided by the Alzheimer’s Society and knew the residents would enjoy some music, I can honestly say hand on heart that this one was by far the best I’ve seen. Amazing charisma and a great understanding of people living with dementia. Thank you so much for all the smiles you created. It’s Priceless ” said Karen Middleton, The Knowles Dementia Manager.
“Our residents love to sing, especially Ruby (100). It brings her to life. You can see her face light up and she is always the first one up and dancing. You can sing anything, pack up your troubles, and It’s a Long Way to Tipperary and she will sing with you, she just loves the old classics” said Emmanuel Toy, Home Manager at the Knowles.
“Ruby really enjoys all the activities associated with music, such as our physical fun exercise sessions, and is part of our home’s choir, so she really enjoyed the singer. Meaningful activity is central to the care we provide for all our residents as this helps keep them physically and mentally stimulated.”
Singing for the Brain, run by the Alzheimer’s Society, are sessions that use singing to bring people with dementia together in a friendly and stimulating environment. The charity says that 100% of the people who go along for Singing for the Brain sessions say they’ve improved their life in some way.
Coventry-based Dave Willets has set up a foundation specifically designed to help those living with dementia.
You can find out more about the Dave Wiletts Foundation here.