A trio of lifelong friends from the North-east are organising a charity concert this Summer to raise funds for social care charity VSA, whilst raising awareness around 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 affectionately as 'The Two Tams'. The pair, who suffered from dementia, passed away within months of each other and a concert to be held on June 29 - ‘The Two Tams Part 2 - An evening of live music and entertainment in memory’ - will raise funds for VSA.
Friends Gary, Tommy and Frank held ‘Smash Dementia -The Two Tams Part 1’ on July 1, 2023. 450 people attended and the event went on to raise around £7,000.00. The funds went towards a range of services provided by VSA.
Talking of his late father Tommy says, "The Two Tams' lived such full, happy lives and to lose them both so close together has left a massive hole in all our hearts. We wanted to organise a commemorative event to honour our late fathers' memories and raise money for VSA Aberdeen whilst raising awareness of dementia. The Two Tams would be delighted we are organising this event again. 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."
Gary's father Tom passed in January 2023 after suffering from dementia for a short time. 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," says Gary.
A spokesman for Ruthrieston House says, "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 follow-up event Gary and his friends are arranging for the Summer sounds like it will be such a great night and a fitting way to continue 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," says Tommy. "I can't thank the staff enough for their care in those last few days."
The follow-up concert, entitled ‘Here’s the Two Tams - Part 2
‘will be held on Saturday, 29th June at OGV Taproom, Windmill Brae, with funds raised going to Ruthrieston House and other VSA projects.
The evening will feature a fantastic line-up of live music and entertainment, including:
- Bryan McAdams – a Bryan Adams tribute band "taking you back to the Summer of 69"
- Sibling Sons - Four-piece Indie and Rock cover band. Based in Aberdeen, Scotland
- McMontage, performing all your favourite songs from the 1980s and 1990s
- A DJ will be joining us to play some classic throwbacks for all to enjoy
- A Scottish piper
- A Limited edition “Two Tams” cocktail containing their favourite tipples - not for the feint hearted!
"We hope the Part 2 event will be a huge success following on from last Summer and will raise more much-needed funds for VSA," continues 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 (+£1.55 admin fee) and are available to purchase at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-two-tams-part-2-an-evening-of-live-music-and-entertainment-in-memory-tickets-765239240167