98-year-old woman is playing the piano for 100 days to raise money for NHS

17 July 2020, 16:42 | Updated: 17 July 2020, 16:46

100 days of playing the piano for the NHS. Aren’t pianists wonderful…

A 98-year-old woman in Scotland has almost completed her mission to play the piano every day for 100 days, to support the NHS during the coronavirus pandemic.

Rebecca Parker, one of the oldest residents of a Lanarkshire care home, was inspired to carry out the kind gesture after hearing the news of Second World War veteran, the recently knighted Sir Tom Moore – who raised over £32 million for the NHS in the run up to his 100th birthday by walking 25m lengths of his garden in Bedfordshire.

Despite having arthritis in both hands, the champion pianist has almost come to the end of her musical mission. Residents of the McClymont House care home have been enjoying the sound of her playing, on the home’s baby grand piano.

Mrs Parker, who also learned to play the violin and accordion in her youth, told The Church of Scotland: “My mother was a fine pianist and she taught me. I get a fine big cushion to sit on and I like to play some Scottish tunes.”

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All proceeds to the great-grandmother and former primary school teacher’s musical quest will go towards Lanarkshire Health Board Endowment Funds.

Rev Dr Elijah Obinna, minister of St John’s Parish Church (where Mrs Parker attends regularly) has described her as an “amazing lady”.

He continued: “Each time I visit her and sit and listen to her stories, her testimony, I leave feeling really inspired. She has an amazing heart and is very godly. I am very impressed, proud and excited that she is raising money for the NHS in this way.”

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Charles Delaney, manager of McClymont House, added: “The fact that she is 98 and still determined to continue helping people in the wider community is inspiring.”

So far, an impressive £7,700 has been raised of Mrs Parker’s £1,000 target – and she’s certainly not done yet.

To donate and support the NHS during the coronavirus pandemic, visit justgiving.com.