SUPPORT OUR SONG: THE JOURNEY

A heart-warming video accompanies the track, starring Dementia NI members and giving insight into their day-to-day lives, showing that you can be active and keep doing the things you enjoy following your diagnosis.

Dementia NI Member Martin Murtagh, 72, from Belfast, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease aged 63, explained how the piece was composed: “Cora Kelly came to our Empowerment Groups and really listened as we each told our diagnosis stories. Then she went away and put our words and perspectives to music. It moves me to tears when I listen to it. It’s very true to what those of us who have received a diagnosis are going through.”

“We named the song ‘The Journey’ because it describes the journey you go through when you receive a dementia diagnosis,” continues Martin. “I was in a bad place initially when I got my diagnosis. It takes time and strength to come to terms with it but there is help out there – from family, friends and organisations like Dementia NI. Their Empowerment Groups changed my life and helped me connect with other people with a diagnosis at a time when I felt very low. It gave me hope and a will to carry on and made me realise I could have a good life.”

Dementia NI currently has around 14 Dementia Empowerment Groups across Northern Ireland. These Groups provide a place for local people who have been diagnosed with dementia – and are in the early to middle stages of the condition - to come together to provide life-changing peer support to one another and to drive positive change in dementia services and in the community.

Singer-songwriter Cora Kelly, from Killough, County Down, added: “It’s been a pleasure working with Dementia NI members across Northern Ireland. My meetings with them have challenged my own assumptions about dementia. It’s fantastic that Dementia NI members are so positive and are living happy and fulfilled lives. They’re doing an amazing job in bringing awareness to this condition.”

Dementia NI Communications Lead, Jane Gillow, said: “We hope everyone loves ‘The Journey’ as much as we do! We couldn’t be prouder of our members for creating such inspiring lyrics and sharing the message that there is still life to live following a diagnosis. Research shows that one in three of us will develop dementia in our lifetime. We want to highlight that our Empowerment Groups are here for those with a diagnosis of dementia, in the early to middle stages of the condition, to access life-changing peer support, make new friends and be part of their community. This Dementia Action Week, we’re calling on everyone to get behind ‘The Journey’ and donate vital funds to Dementia NI. All proceeds will go towards empowering local people on their journey with dementia.”

Please check out the song and video embedded above then donate to Dementia NI via the Donate button displayed under the video or at the top of the page.

The single is also available to download on iTunes and there's a dedicated Enthuse page for donations. You can also call us on 028 9693 1555 to donate over the phone. Thank you in advance for all donations!

‘THE JOURNEY’ – LYRICS BY DEMENTIA NI MEMBERS

Each verse represents a different stage in our members’ individual dementia journeys. Verse one describes initial shock following a diagnosis, verse two reflects on challenges faced and the bridge expresses acceptance and hope, having found Dementia NI’s Empowerment Groups.

Verse 1

I won’t lie, I was terrified

When the doctors said those words

My feet went from beneath me

Could not believe what I’d just heard

If I judged my condition

From what I saw on television

I’d give up

Chorus

It’s a slippy road but I keep my feet planted

I have the strength to hold the cards I’ve been handed

If I stumble, if my feet fall or if I need some assistance

I know the journey’s long but

It’s worth the distance

Verse 2

My voice is mine

I don’t need someone to say what’s on my mind

Though the love I have to help me

Is the best that you could find

I worry for my loved ones

Cos the future is so unknown

I stay strong

Chorus

It’s a slippy road but I keep my feet planted

I have the strength to hold the cards I’ve been handed

If I stumble, if my feet fall or if I need some assistance

I know the journey’s long but

It’s worth the distance

Bridge

I found my place

I’m surrounded by faces

Who understand me

Our worries and fears

Soon disappear

After a conversation…... and a warm cup of tea

Chorus

It’s a slippy road but I keep my feet planted

I have the strength to hold the cards that I’ve been handed

If I stumble, if my feet fall or if I need some assistance

I know the journey’s long but

It’s worth the distance