Rebecca Done – Charity Champion or Volunteer nominee
Rebecca Done – Charity Champion or Volunteer nominee
Rebecca Done has gone from competing in the TV show Pop Idol alongside Gareth Gates and Will Young to becoming the Mayor of Leek and singing for people with Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
The 47-year-old, from Leek, has released three singles and used the proceeds to fund a luncheon club for pensioners which ran for around five years.
She has been a town councillor in Leek, a district councillor for Staffordshire Moorlands, was Deputy Mayor of Leek from 2015 to 2016 and Mayor of Leek from 2016 to 2017.
Rebecca has sung professionally across the UK and Europe, including with Daniel O’Donnell, and now dedicates her time to performing in care homes across Staffordshire, Derbyshire and Cheshire. She tours three shows, including a World War Two tribute.
She said: “Music does repair brain damage and helps people with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. I’ve sung in all sorts of different places then came back and have spent the last 12 years singing for older people.”
Rebecca has been nominated in the Charity Champion or Volunteer of the Year category of the Your Heroes Awards by Robert Whittaker.
He said: “I would like to nominate Rebecca in recognition of her extraordinary and longstanding commitment to her community, older people, charities and the causes that matter to her.
“Rebecca has spent much of her life in entertainment but what makes her truly deserving of recognition is what she has chosen to do with her experience and talents.
“One of the things that demonstrates her commitment particularly clearly is a luncheon club for over-60s in her hometown, which she launched and solely funded herself. Rather than simply talking about the importance of tackling loneliness and bringing older people together, Rebecca saw a need and did something about it.
“In more recent years Rebecca has chosen to bring her music and entertainment directly to care homes, where she performs for residents and uses music to bring back memories, create conversation, encourage smiles and provide companionship. She understands that entertainment for older people is not simply about putting on a show. For many residents, particularly those living with dementia, familiar songs can unlock memories and emotions that might otherwise be difficult to reach.”
Rebecca is a Dementia Friend and has raised funds for Dementia UK through a sponsored walk. Over the years she has supported and raised money for charities including the RSPCA, Dementia UK, Alzheimer’s Society, Royal British Legion, Cancer Research UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, The Children’s Place, The King’s Trust, Save the Children, Samaritans and Veterans’ Foundation.
Robert added: “Rebecca has the unusual ability to walk into a room and make people feel that they matter. Whether she is entertaining care-home residents, bringing back memories through wartime songs, organising something for older people, raising money for charity or simply sitting and talking with someone who needs company, she gives people her time and attention.
“Her career may have put her in the spotlight but her greatest contribution has often been made away from it. Rebecca doesn’t simply perform for people, she performs for a purpose. She has spent a lifetime bringing people together, raising spirits, supporting charities and using music to create moments of happiness and connection. Her contribution to the community is not a single achievement, it is a pattern that has continued throughout her life.”
Rebecca said she felt flattered to have been nominated for a Your Heroes Award and that there are many people who have done more to earn such an accolade.
She added: “I hope that me being nominated will highlight the work of the people I work alongside to help people with Alzheimer’s and Dementia.”