A FORMER Clydebank MP has spoken of the "transformational" effect joining a dementia-friendly choir has had on his life following his diagnosis of the disease.

Tony Worthington, 81, was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2018 after he noticed he was forgetting day-to-day things and struggling to keep up with conversations around his care for prostate cancer.

He was Labour Party Member of Parliament for Clydebank and Milngavie from 1987 until his retirement from Parliament in 2005.

And, despite initial reservations, he was encouraged by his wife to join the Every Voice Community Choir -  a group created as a therapeutic activity for people living with dementia and their carers by Alzheimer Scotland.

On joining the choir, Tony said: “I never thought you’d find me in a choir for a simple reason - I cannot sing!

"But I do enjoy it and it’s brought me a wonderful group of friends. We’re well-known for our performance of ‘Lean on Me’ - the lyrics speak volumes as we have been leaning on Alzheimer Scotland now for many years.

Clydebank Post: Tony's wife encouraged him to join the choirTony's wife encouraged him to join the choir (Image: Alzheimer Scotland)

"I don’t know where we would be without the charity.”

Led by choirmaster Bryan Marshall, the fortnightly rehearsals have brought laughter, joy and friendship to its members.

Established in 2016, the choir has performed at Christmas concerts, appeared on BBC television show ‘Make a Wish’, and performed at the Edinburgh Festival.

Choirmaster Bryan, who was nominated as one of BBC Scotland's People of the Year in 2021, said: “Leading Every Voice Community Choir along with the dedicated team at Alzheimer Scotland is an absolute honour for me.

"Its fabulous members are an inspiration every time we sing together.

"Six years ago, little did I know what amazing friends I would make and the experiences that lay ahead when I stepped into a small hall on a sunny September day in Dumbarton".

Tony and the Choir are the focus of Alzheimer Scotland’s winter fundraising appeal. You can see the choir perform their set list favourite ‘Lean on Me’ and support the campaign at https://leanon.alzscot.org/.