“I’m so grateful to have been able to write this song – it will stay with me forever. “

I was introduced to Ben at The Swan Song Project through Hope, a registered charity who help young people when a loved one is seriously ill – I can’t find the words to thank Ben and all the musicians involved in my song, it meant so much to my whole family.

My uncle was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2018 and passed away 2 years later. It was a terribly hard time for myself and the whole family, seeing the one you love deteriorate while you feel helpless – this cruel disease left him being unable to move, eat and eventually breathe for himself.

He was the kindest, most positive man who kept his sense of humour until the very end. The day I could no longer have a conversation, listen to his jokes or just hear his voice was when I decided to message Ben. My uncle meant and means so much to me – he was my hero and I wanted to tell him how proud he made me. Due to his limited speech a song seemed the perfect way to do that! 

Initially I was very nervous and apprehensive of the idea as I’m not musical at all. However, straight away Ben made me feel at ease and I found myself enjoying the sessions, talking about the memories and stories I cherish so dearly.

I wanted the song to highlight and encompass the positivity of my uncle, with the song having an upbeat, cheerful tune. The day I played the song to my uncle will stick with me forever – he was very unwell and found it hard to lift his head. But while the song was playing, he took off his oxygen, turned his head and looked at me with the biggest smile stretched across his face. It was priceless and one of the final memories I have of my uncle.

I played the song at my uncle’s funeral a few weeks later for the whole family to hear – it brought great joy and lots of memories.

This is a wonderful charity and I’m so grateful to have been able to write this song – it will stay with me forever. 

Annie Redding

Hear “Rollercoaster Ride” By Annie Redding, Lisa Marie Glover & Ben Buddy Slack here – https://swansongproject.co.uk/rollercoaster-ride/