So So Gay
Leo Kristoffersson hears about a charity single in aid of Alzheimer’s Research UK, courtesy of Leeds singer Rupert Stroud
We are suckers for a good cause here at So So Gay and we reckon Alzheimer’s Research UK is about as good as a cause gets. It’s certainly a charity with personal significance for Leeds-born singer-songwriter Rupert Stroud.
Stroud, who is about to release album Chasing The Night, knows from bitter personal experience how devastating Alzheimer’s Disease can be, having lost his maternal grandmother to the illness two years ago. Now, he is aiming to raise money for ARUK by means of new single ‘Always’.
Speaking of the motivation behind the campaign, Stroud says; ‘My grandma was one of the sweetest souls you could ever meet – we were very close. When she was younger, Grandma enjoyed singing and could have gone on to be a professional dancer if circumstances were different. I’ve probably got my love of music and rhythm from her – she always encouraged me. But for the last few years of her life she needed 24-hour care. She didn’t recognise any of us and couldn’t speak – it was heartbreaking. She’d be proud to know this song is a tribute to her and that it will raise money for the new treatments so desperately needed for Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. My single is just the start of my plans to raise money and awareness for Alzheimer’s Research UK. I’m lining up a series of music events, starting with a concert at the Ilkley Playhouse on 30 June. Writing music and performing live is my passion and having this positive focus makes it so worthwhile. It’s young people like me who’ll reap the benefits of today’s pioneering research. I want to do my bit to help so that other people don’t have to suffer like my wonderful grandma’.
You can download the single for a minimum £2 donation to ARUK here.
