A 98-year-old with arthritis is playing piano to comfort fellow care home residents during Covid-19.
Rebecca Parker plans to play for 100 days and is now nearing the end of her emotional musical challenge.
Every morning since April, the pensioner plays through her arthritis the Baby Grand piano of McClymont House in Lanark.
Rebecca is one of the oldest residents of the Lanarkshire care home and is determined to keep spirits of staff and fellow residents high in the face of lockdown restrictions.
Now she has touched the hearts of people around the world and is raking in donations on her Gofundme page.
The retired school teacher has raised almost £5500 for NHS Lanarkshire endowment fund with her piano skills.
Speaking on National Care home day, two days off completing her challenge, Rebecca explained how the response has steeled her resolve.
“I would like to offer a note of thanks to each and every one of my lovely followers, on JustGiving, social media and, of course, the staff and fellow residents of McClymont House.
"I’ve been overwhelmed to be able to raise such a generous amount of money. It’s been incredible.”
Previously, Rebecca explained how her twinkle-keyed tour de force has roots in a lifelong passion.
“My mother, Isabella MacLennan, was an accomplished pianist and that’s who really inspired all of this.
“Ultimately she had to give it up because of the demands of family life but I have vivid memories of her playing from early childhood.
“My two brothers and I would lie in beds in our home, in Broadford, Skye, and listen to her in the evenings when we were meant to be sleeping.
“It was such a source of comfort and warmth.”
Rebecca added: “I was captivated when I was growing up and my mother taught me how to play. Today, I hope the music can have the same comforting effect on my friends here.”
Val de Souza, Chief Officer, South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership, added: “Despite the ongoing challenges Covid-19 presents, Mrs Parker’s piano challenge represents the vibrancy, hope and community-spirit that prevails in our care homes. Mrs Parker’s stoicism and kindness is a source of inspiration for us all.”
Heather Knox, interim Chief Executive of NHS Lanarkshire said: “Mrs Parker has not only raised a substantial sum of money for NHS Lanarkshire endowment fund – which we are very grateful for – but many smiles in her care home and, indeed, across the globe. Her thoughtfulness has been the personification of community spirit.”
Mrs Parker’s JustGiving page can be found here: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/rebecca-parker98
