Cathy, Lifestyle Coordinator, from The Grange Care Home, part of the Runwood Homes Group, is celebrating a remarkable milestone with the publication of her new book now available on Amazon, and will soon host a special launch event at the home.
Back in 2018, Cathy founded the One Voice Choir, a dementia-friendly choir created to bring joy, connection, and confidence to residents through the power of music. What began as a simple idea soon transformed not only the lives of the residents but Cathy’s own, as she witnessed first-hand the remarkable impact music could have.
Cathy shared that:
“Through the choir, residents developed confidence, built friendships, and enjoyed unforgettable opportunities, including meeting Tim Howar from Mike and the Mechanics, and forming a connection with national treasure Tony Christie. I was inspired to write the book because I wanted to share my story and bring the power of music to people living with dementia.”
Cathy decided to share her story in book form, with encouragement and support from the choir members themselves. She hopes her journey will show others that you don’t need formal music training to make a difference, just passion, enthusiasm, and the belief that music can reach people when words cannot.
The choir’s journey has created a vibrant culture both within and beyond the The Grange Care Home, earning awards, supporting charity work, and attracting the backing of organisations such as Music for Dementia. The choir continues to evolve, spreading happiness and creating magical moments wherever they perform.
Peyton Miles, Foundation Manager at Music for Dementia, praised Cathy’s work, saying:
“What happens when one person decides to ‘give it a go’? In this touching GIAG story, a care home is transformed through music, as a once nervous choir blossoms into a source of pride, purpose, and joy for residents and staff alike.”
