Music, Memories and Giving Back: Glenn Stevenson’s fundraising journey

Glenn Stevenson is a local musician who performs Motown, Reggae, and Soul music at gigs and is also a passionate fundraiser for ‘ADS’ Charity (Alzheimers Dementia Support). I had the pleasure of meeting him for coffee and a chat.

What is your connection to ‘ADS’, and what inspired you to fundraise for our Charity?

Glenn at a recent gig.

“I used to be the driver for Sandra for the ‘ADS’ Out and About Service. I did that for a couple of years until Covid hit and lockdown happened. At that point, the service was suspended for a while, and I moved to Hertford with my girlfriend because otherwise, we wouldn’t have seen each other.

When the service restarted, I was still in Hertford, and they got a new driver. I would have gone back if I could. Before that, I worked as a residential care worker for a couple of years, so I already had experience with the elderly and those with Dementia. I approached the trips with an understanding attitude, helping members on and off the bus, and they seemed to appreciate that.

Driving for ‘ADS’ was enjoyable because I got to visit so many local landmarks, like Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, and Savill Gardens. These are places I’d driven past countless times but never stopped to see. It made me realize how easy it is to take such things for granted when they are on your doorstep.

What really stood out to me, though, was seeing how beneficial these trips were, both for Carers and the People affected by Dementia. For Carers, it’s an incredibly intense, 24/7 responsibility, and as the Person with Dementia’s condition worsens, it only gets harder. Many carers are just family members—spouses, siblings, or children—and not trained professionals. So, having that day when we take the Person with Dementia out gives Carers a chance to relax, whether it’s having a cup of tea, getting their hair done, going shopping or simply taking a break. These services are absolutely vital because unless you’ve experienced it, it’s hard to explain how intensive Dementia Care is.”

How do you incorporate fundraising into your performances?

“That’s easy! I announce that I’m fundraising for ‘ADS’ and pass the collection tin around the venue. People are always so generous. For example, I did a gig at Uncle Tom’s Cabin in Cookham Dean and raised £160 in one night just from the tin. I’ve only been gigging solo since March this year, as I was in a band previously, and I started fundraising for ‘ADS’ in June. Since then, I’ve raised over £800. I think my tin’s full now, so I need to hand it in to Dee—with this collection, when you add that it should be getting close to £1,000!”

Can you share any memorable moments from your gigs?

“One time, my car overheated and broke down in the car park right before a gig. I set up as usual and called the AA. While I was performing, I joked with the audience, asking if anyone would give me a lift home. Halfway through a song, the AA man arrived. I paused to announce, ‘The AA man’s here!’ and the crowd started clapping and cheering. Later, he returned with my keys, and I announced again, ‘He’s fixed it!’ Everyone gave him a huge round of applause as he left. It was hilarious and so memorable—he walked out beaming!”

How does raising money for ‘ADS’ impact you as a Person and Musician?

“I think it’s always good to give back to society. For me, it’s effortless—I just tell people I’m raising money for ‘ADS’ and pass the tin around. It’s meaningful because I see the difference these donations make. It’s not just about the money; it’s about raising awareness, too.”

Do you have any fundraising ideas to expand your efforts?

“Yes, I think organizing a social event twice a year would be great. We could sell tickets and I could perform. Lots of People in the Community would come to support the charity. It’d be a fantastic way to bring everyone together—current supporters, past service users, and ‘ADS’ staff—while raising money at the same time.”

What kind of support have you received from the community?

“The community has been amazing! So many people share their personal connections, saying things like, ‘My mum, dad, or uncle has Dementia.’ People are keen to help—they’ll take the tin and pass it around for me. I tell them that there is a QR code on the tin, linking to the ‘ADS’ website. That way, anyone who’s interested can learn more about the charity. There is also a link on my website that links directly to ‘ADS’.”

Do you have any upcoming events or gigs?

“Yes, loads! You can find all the details on my website: www.marleymoments.co.uk.”

How can people support you?

“Just come to the gigs and have a great time!”

And with that, Glenn headed off to the gym for his regular workout, leaving behind a sense of his passion and commitment to supporting those affected by Dementia through his music and fundraising.