A Scots singer has amassed thousands of fans worldwide after performing music on Facebook to help her overcome the grief of losing her dad, Eric.
Amanda-Jane Taylor was devastated when her dad, who would have been 65 last week, lost his battle with prostate cancer and Huntington’s disease in 2018.
His death coincided with the break-up of Amanda’s marriage causing her mental health to hit rock bottom.
Mum-of-two Amanda, 41, from Westhill, Aberdeen, said: “I have been suffering from mental health issues since my dad died of prostate cancer two years ago.
“When my dad was dying my marriage ended as well so it was a tough time with no male role model and no family unit.
“I attempted to take my own life not long after my dad died because we were very close.
“People don’t explain these are normal feelings to feel but I was overwhelmed by the breakdown of my marriage and the loss of my dad.
“I had started doing open mic as a release to deal with the grief of what I was going through and then lockdown hit.
“I was dealing with a lot going on in my head while trying to work and support my two children and put food on the table for my kids.” Amanda planned to take her own life until she got help through the Scottish Association for Mental Health.
The charity encouraged her to get involved in outdoor activities, which she loved, but when Covid hit, her anxiety and depression worsened.
Amanda said: “I’d decided enough was enough and I could never get out of the pit and be a good mum to my kids because financially I couldn’t support them and it just got on top of me.”
Things improved when she began singing on Facebook, under the name AJ Mclovely. It led to thousands of admirers – known as The Mclovelies – tuning in from around the world.
Many have posted messages to say she has helped them with grief, bereavement issues and loneliness.
She has also released three singles – Born to Make a Difference, Bleeding Heart and Hold On.
Amanda said: “I have 5000 followers from all over the world which is amazing to me because I’m just doing it from my living room.
“The performances on Facebook took off and created a family worldwide. If I didn’t have that I don’t know where I would be.”
