WEXFORD’S CARERS FIND THEIR VOICE IN NEW RTÉ DOCUMENTARY
LOCAL CARERS TAKE CENTRE STAGE IN NEW RTÉ DOCUMENTARY WHICH PROMISES TO TAKE ITS VIEWERS ON AN EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER
THE coronavirus pandemic has presented a unique set of problems for those working as fulltime carers in the home. And while frontline workers rightly receive plaudits for their efforts in keeping the public safe and well, those caring for loved ones must continue on in silence, their daily sacrifices often going unnoticed and unappreciated.
Filmed last year, David Brophy’s Unsung Heroes aims not only to highlight the work done by carers in this country, but also bring a little joy into lives which are often marked by sadness and loneliness.
In this two-part documentary series, the renowned composer forms a choir made entirely of family carers from Co Wexford.
The series (which begins tomorrow, Wednesday, on RTÉ One) not only chronicles the journey of the choir but also looks at the lives of some of its members as they care for a loved one.
‘I’ve always been interested in people who are maybe marginalised, and have always thought carers have received a raw deal. Any of the programmes I’ve done have dealt with issues close to my heart and this was no different,’ said David.
‘Their stories and the things I experienced with them will stay with me forever. The energy they created was stunning, I’ve worked with lots of choirs and rarely have I come across a group of people with that kind of energy.’
Admitting he doesn’t enjoy watching himself on screen, David said anyone who does tune in to Unsung Heroes can expect to be taken on an emotional rollercoaster.
‘When people bare their souls like this, I think it’s difficult to look at the programme and not be affected by it. These people are amazing, they are real unsung heroes.
‘They would say they’re just doing their job but this programme lifts the lid and allows you to see inside their worlds, the reality of it. I was hugely moved by it, they are ordinary people doing extraordinary things.’
Hannah Power is full-time carer for her husband Patrick who has Alzheimer’s disease, and she features prominently in the programme – a memorable encounter with Christy Dignam, lead singer with Aslan, one of the highlights of the first episode.
‘When Christy came, it was like a bullet out of a gun. Before we knew he was coming, we were singing Crazy World and I felt so proud to be singing it, the words of that song are fabulous if you listen to them,’ Hannah says.
‘The world is crazy at the best of times, but when you have a husband with Alzheimer’s everything is that little bit more difficult. My husband had been diagnosed in April, and my daughter found out she had breast cancer in June.
‘Christy was a comfort, he has lived that, he’s been there, done it and come through the other side.’
And the experience left an indelible mark on Hannah, brought a sense of joy and unity which lifted her spirits immeasurably.
‘I went in on the first day not knowing anything about it, but there was an incredible atmosphere, we were all giddy. Absolutely we bonded, it was unbelievable, it was like magic, the smiles; when we got into our songs the hair would stand up on the back of your neck,’ said Hannah from her home in Tagoat.
‘It was one of the most fantastic times of my life. I never thought I could be that happy again, it was like Christmas Eve as a child, I felt so young and so happy.’
Hannah says the friendships formed during their time together will last a lifetime, and she attributes much of this to the man at the helm of it all.
‘There’s something magic about David, he just manages to bring out the best in people.’
Unsung Heroes airs on RTÉ One on Wednesday, June 3 at 9.35 p.m.