A LOCAL charity is looking to fill the shoes of an ARI porter who has used his self-taught musical skills to keep patient’s spirits high while they were receiving cancer treatment.
Harry Hendry, from Aberdeen, played songs he had taught himself on the piano to bring a welcome distraction to people who were waiting to be taken to their radiotherapy treatment.
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Now, local charity Friends of ANCHOR is searching for volunteer pianists to take on the waiting room performance, starting this festive season.
Mr Hendry, who has worked as a porter within NHS Grampian since August this year said: “Playing the piano for patients has been so much fun and it’s great that the radiotherapy department want to keep it going on a regular basis.
“The music provides a bit of a distraction for patients and it’s clear to see the difference it makes, especially for those who may be slightly more apprehensive about their time in the department.”
Hearing about the charity’s plans to bring some calming music to the department this Christmas and beyond, Gordon Bell of well-respected Aberdeen company Gordon Bell Pianos gifted the charity a new piano which has been delivered to the department, ready for musical fingers to work their magic.
Friends of ANCHOR, which supports North-east cancer and haematology patients, is looking for piano players who can gift their time to play Christmas tunes between 9am and 4pm on weekdays. Volunteers can play in shifts of 1-2 hours, or up to a full day if they wish.
Vicki Youngson, Head of Wellbeing at Friends of ANCHOR said: “We have heard such lovely feedback from patients and staff about Harry’s performances within the radiotherapy department, where his playing has brightened up the days for staff and patients.
“Harry’s spontaneous playing was the inspiration behind the department’s request to see piano music become a more regular occurrence. We would really like to help make this happen with this call out for talented piano players in the North-east to join us for an hour or two every week.
“Although this is a busy month for everyone it would be great to launch in time for Christmas to bring a boost to those going through treatment at this time of year.”
If you would like to sign up to volunteer as a pianist, or for more information, please email [email protected]
