A new single ‘A River Rolls On’, written by Mike Hanrahan from Stockton’s Wing, is now available to download on Bandcamp. All of the proceeds from the single will support The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI) to fund creative activities through ASI centres and communities countrywide.
Penned by Mike Hanrahan (Stockton’s Wing), ‘A River Rolls On’ is inspired by his mother’s journey through the phases of vascular dementia and imagining her life as a beautiful meandering river starting out high up in the mountains, nourishing many, giving so much to the world as it gently rolls to the sea.
The song also features Lisa Lambe, ALDOC, Sandy Kelly, and The Forget Me Nots Choir, with musical arrangement by Norah Constance Walsh. The Forget Me Nots is an inclusive choir that unites older people and those affected by dementia with caregiver family and friends.
Mike Hanrahan said: “It is always a joy when people sing your song, but on this occasion it has extra special meaning. The Forget Me Nots promote inclusivity and we have gathered a wonderful crew to help us spread the word. I’m delighted to be working with Norah, ALDOC, Lisa and my dear friend Sandy with a special word of thanks to Úna Healy for her creativity and Julie Feeney who has gifted the world a beautiful poem on caring.”
Sandy Kelly said: “A River Rolls On, a beautiful song written by Mike Hanrahan and inspired by his dear Mum. I am so grateful to Mike for inviting me to record with him, Lisa, Nora, Aldoc and ‘The Forget Me Nots Choir’ all of whom I have a great respect for. I know the song means something personal to all who hear it”.
Lisa Lambe said:“So happy to be part of this special collaboration. It’s a beautiful song and I get to work with my wonderful friends”.
Norah Constance Walsh said: “Delighted to be part of this fabulous project. The process of recording was a joy from start to finish. I am immensely proud of the choir and our superb backroom team. A River Rolls On”.
Aldoc said: “It was rewarding, uplifting and lots of fun. So delighted to be part of this incredible gig”.
The song is available download on Bandcamp with all the proceeds going to The ASI to fund creative activities through ASI centres and communities countrywide.
https://forgetmenotschoir.bandcamp.com/track/a-river-rolls-on
About The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI):
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is the leading dementia specific service provider in Ireland. The Alzheimer Society of Ireland works across the country in the heart of local communities providing dementia specific services and supports and advocating for the rights and needs of all people living with dementia and their carers. Our vision is an Ireland where people on the journey of dementia are valued and supported. A national non-profit organisation, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland advocates, empowers and champions the rights of people living with dementia and their communities to quality support and services. The Alzheimer Society of Ireland also operates the Alzheimer National Helpline offering information and support to anyone affected by dementia on 1800 341 341.
Alzheimer National Helpline:
For more information on our supports and services during this challenging time, please contact The Alzheimer Society of Ireland National Helpline where you can now also book in a 1:1 session with a Dementia Nurse or Dementia Adviser. The Helpline is open six days a week Monday to Friday 10am–5pm and Saturday 10am–4pm on 1800 341 341. Email at helpline@nullalzheimer.ie or via Live Chat at www.alzheimer.ie
ABOUT DEMENTIA
- There are 64,000 people with dementia in Ireland and the number of people with the condition will more than double in the next 25 years to over 150,000 by 2045.*
- There are 11,000 new cases of dementia in Ireland each year. That’s at least 30 people every day and anyone can get dementia – even people in their 30s/40s/50s.**
- Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of conditions which cause changes and damage to the brain.
- Dementia is progressive. There is currently no cure. Dementia is not simply a health issue but a social issue that requires a community response.
- The majority of people with dementia (63%) live at home in the community. Over 180,000 people in Ireland are currently or have been carers for a family member or partner with dementia with many more providing support and care in other ways.
- 1 in 10 people diagnosed with dementia in Ireland are under 65.
- The overall cost of dementia care in Ireland is just over €1.69 billion per annum; 48% of this is attributable to family care; 43% is accounted for by residential care; formal health and social care services contribute only 9% to the total cost.
Figures referenced to Cahill, S. & Pierce, M. (2013) The Prevalence of Dementia in Ireland.
*Figure referenced from Alzheimer Europe (2020) Dementia in Europe Yearbook 2019 ‘Estimating the prevalence of dementia in Europe’.
**Figure referenced from Pierce, T., O’Shea, E. and Carney P. (2018) Estimates of the prevalence, incidence and severity of dementia in Ireland.
