Melissa Bremner, 27, originally from Aberdeenshire has embarked on a challenge to perform 12 Christmas Concerts in wards and care homes around the West of Scotland.
Melissa, who works as a doctor in Psychiatric Hospital, has had a love of singing and performing all her life. During the pandemic she put on a concert for patients of the dementia ward at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where she was working at the time which created a positive impact on the patients within the ward and brightened the mood.
This new and creative challenge is in aid of the dementia charity, Alzheimer Scotland. This is a cause close to Melissa’s heart, as dementia has impacted her family greatly. Melissa’s Grandad looked after her Nana who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and sadly passed away in 2013. Shortly after her passing, Melissa’s Grandad was diagnosed with dementia and he now stays at home with her parents.
Melissa explains the positive impact listening to music and singing has on her Grandad, “My Grandad is my inspiration for this challenge. Singing is something that I’ve always noticed has a great effect on him. Frank Sinatra’s songs really brighten his day. He might not be able to remember names but he still knows all the lyrics. Music has a very beneficial effect on people living with dementia and I am delighted to share a bit of Christmas spirit this year.”
Melissa has already got 9 concerts complete and hoping to get the rest done before Christmas – working around her night shifts of course!
Melissa strives to raise money to make a difference to individuals and families impacted by dementia across Scotland. If you feel inspired by Melissa’s story you can support her fundraising here: