Son writing moving song in memory of his mum to raise cash for hospice which cared for her
Mark Gateshill, 51, of Australia Grove, Brockley Whins, South Shields, has penned a moving acoustic guitar-based ballad in tribute to Annie Gateshill, 71 and is in the process of recording it.
In the meantime Mark, with girlfriend Annette Goldsbrough, 55, has also raised over £1,500 for St Benedict’s Hospice in Ryhope – smashing his target by £500.
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Hide AdThe couple did so by trading in his well-worn guitars, microphones and other playing gadgets, and from two car boot sales.
Engineer Mark began writing the tune, titled ‘Annie’, just a week after his mother, a former cook, of Clyvedon Rise, Cleadon, died from lung cancer in July.
The mum-of-three and grandmother was cared for by the hospice’s nursing team during her final two weeks.
Mark said: “The staff treated my mum with great care and compassion, the care they gave her was brilliant.
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Hide Ad“Although she was dying, she was very happy being looked after with that level of care.
“I felt I wanted to do something to support the hospice as a way of saying ‘thanks’.
“I thought we might raise about £1,000, but we’ve gone well over that and hopeful there’s more to come.
“As for the song, I’m a rock music fan but I wanted to write a nice acoustic guitar ballad in tribute.
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Hide Ad“The guitar and vocals have been laid down and I’m hoping to get it recorded at a friend’s professional studio when I can.”
Lisa Peverley, Head of Community Engagement at St Benedict’s Hospice, said: “We want to say a huge thank you to Mark, Annette and everyone who has supported them during their recent fundraising efforts.
“At a time when we need support more than ever before, a donation of this size is truly special.
“We understand Mark is a keen musician and is writing a tribute song for his mum Annie. We really can’t wait to hear it.
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Hide Ad“Annie passed away after receiving end of life care by the hospice and is known fondly amongst the staff.”