Grandson's single to fund research

Thursday 19th April 2012

Singer-songwriter Rupert Stroud is raising money for Alzheimer's Research UK by releasing a charity single in tribute to his grandmother.

Rupert, from Leeds, releases Always on April 23 to support the charity's work researching Alzheimer's and dementia.

The track is a tribute to his grandma Eileen who died two years ago, aged 87, after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease.

Rupert, who studied at Leeds Metropolitan University, said: "My grandma was one of the sweetest souls you could ever meet, we were very close. Although she was tiny, she was incredibly strong and cared for my granddad for years as he had severe rheumatoid arthritis.

"She was devastated when he died and seemed to lose her spark for life. A few years later Alzheimer's crept on and her memories seemed frozen inside her. It opened our eyes to the desperate lack of funding for research into this cruel disease."

Rupert, who released his debut album Rupert Road in 2009, followed by Chasing The Night, said: "When she was younger, Grandma enjoyed singing and could have gone on to be a professional dancer if circumstances were different. I've probably got my love of music and rhythm from her."

The 25-year-old, who now lives in Ilkley, recorded Always at the Soundworks Studios in Leeds. It was produced by Will Jackson.

Miranda Mays, community fundraising manager for Alzheimer's Research UK, said: "We can't thank Rupert enough for releasing his single Always to raise money for our dementia research. This song is a wonderful tribute to his much-loved grandma Eileen."

The single is available to download from http://www.rupertstroudforaruk.com with 100% of profits going to the charity. He asks for a £2 minimum donation.

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