A trio of lifelong friends from the North-east are organising a charity concert this summer to raise funds for social care charity VSA while raising awareness for dementia.
Gary McRobb, Tommy Webster and Frank Clifton, friends of 40 years, are joining forces for the event to honour Gary and Tommy’s late fathers, who were both named Tom and known collaboratively as ‘The Two Tam’s’.
The pair, who suffered with dementia, passed away within months of each other and this July’s concert is being held in their memory to raise funds for VSA.
“’The Two Tam’s’ lived such full, happy lives and to lose them both so close together has left a massive hole in all our hearts,” said Tommy.
“We wanted to organise a commemorative event to honour our late fathers’ memories and raise money for VSA Aberdeen, while raising awareness of dementia.
“’The Two Tam’s’ would be delighted we are organising this event. They were a sociable pair often enjoying a pint or two together, so to be able to organise something positive in their names is very special.”
Dementia is an umbrella term for over 100 different types of diseases and symptoms, with an estimated 90,000 people in Scotland living with the condition.
Gary’s father Tom passed in January 2023 after suffering from dementia for a short while. He spent the last months of his life in Ruthrieston House, run by VSA, in Aberdeen.
“The staff at Ruthrieston House were absolutely fantastic during my Dad’s stay there and he recognised it as his new home where he built many friendships with staff and other residents. The care and support that we received particularly during his last few days was faultless,” said Gary.
A spokesman for Ruthrieston House said, “Everyone at Ruthrieston House has been touched by the generosity of Gary and his family and we are truly grateful for their support and fundraising.
“The event Gary and his friends are arranging for the summer sounds like it will be such a great night and a real fitting way to honour Tom”.
Tommy’s father (known as Tommy or Tam) was diagnosed with dementia and continued living at home until August 2022 when he moved to Woodside Care home.
“The care my Dad received at Woodside Care Home was second to none and he was looked after by the staff as one of their own in their small ‘family’ unit,” said Tommy. “I can’t thank the staff enough for their care in those last few days.”
The concert, entitled ‘Rock Against Dementia: The Two Tams Smash Dementia’, will be held on Saturday, July 1 at OGV Podium, Windmill Brae, with all funds raised going to Ruthrieston House and other VSA projects.
The evening’s live music line-up includes Connor Clark and The Matador Kings, Sibling Sons and McMontage. The host for the event will be Eric Doyle.
Four local companies have given their backing to the event including Ann McRobb Associates, Steinish Marine, Cameron’s Planning Solutions and Wellvene.
“We hope the event will be a huge success and will raise some much-needed funds,” continued Gary.
“We’d like to thank everyone who has supported our efforts so far. We have been overwhelmed with the generosity of our sponsors, family and friends, who have rallied to help ensure this very special evening goes smoothly.”
Tickets cost £10 and are available here: https://bit.ly/443wcrk
Donations can be made via this link: https://giving.vsa.org.uk/cf/rockagainstdementia