Joyful surprise for shielding couple
MUSICIAN SPREADS FESTIVE SPIRIT AT DOORSTEP
A shielding couple were given a surprise doorstep performance to celebrate Christmas after a bleak year in isolation.
Evelyn Johnson, 64, and husband Stuart, 69, who have been shielding since March due to Evelyn’s lung transplant, were surprised with a live doorstep gig at their home in Gateshead.
Musician and singer Anna Reay gave them the gift of music as she performed some of Evelyn’s favourite songs on her driveway.
Evelyn, of Sunniside, was diagnosed with a rare hereditary condition called Alpha One Anitrypsin Disorder in 2008.
Doctors gave her only six months to live but in May 2009, at the age of 54, she received a lifesaving lung from an organ donor in Belfast.
Since her treatment, Evelyn has seen her four grandchildren being born and she and husband, Stuart, celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in 2017.
This year Evelyn and her family planned to have a big get together to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of her transplant but instead she has spent much of the year shielding.
She said: “I’m speechless. That was such a lovely, lovely, surprise and so beautiful. The songs all have such a meaning to me and my family.
“We’ve missed out on so much because of the pandemic but this performance has absolutely made my year. I’ve got such a thoughtful family and they make me feel so special.
“Ten years ago I was frightened for my life but I got a second chance and now here I am again, fearful for my life.
“Covid would be a certain death sentence for me and so I can’t take the risk but equally shielding can take such a toll on your mental
Anna Reay sings for Sunniside resident Evelyn Johnson health but special moments like this put things in perspective.
“Today is something I will remember for the rest of my life, so maybe 2020 hasn’t been so bad after all.”
Her daughter Vicki Steele arranged the surprise performance and hopes it will help bring some joy this Christmas for the family.
She said: “My mam is certainly the matriarch of the family and it has always been so normal for us to see each other every day. We all live within a five-minute walk of each other and so this year has been a real change for us all.
“She adores music and it plays a big part in all of our lives so this was the perfect gift for her.
“I’ve heard Anna sing for many years now and every time she sings she makes me cry. “Her voice is sensational and so this really was a hugely emotional moment for us all, especially my mam and dad.”
Evelyn pictured with husband Stuart
Anna set up Annagrams A after f all ll h her wedd ding gigs were cancelled due to Covid. As a way of surviving the pandemic, Anna started singing for people on their doorsteps to spread joy in difficult times.
Anna said: “I love doing these performances as you can see just how much it means to people after such a difficult year for many.
“It brings a tear to my eye every time and to perform for someone like Evelyn, who has been stuck in the house more than most this year, really is something I’m so proud to be part of.
“Annagrams has become such an integral part of my life this year and I hope I can continue to bring just a little bit of cheer to peoples’ doorsteps in 2021 as well.”
Anna Reay became a regional finalist for Best Creative Business throughout the pandemic in The Great British Entrepreneur awards this year because of her innovative ways to bring music to people. More information about Annagrams can be found online.
I’ve got such a thoughtful family and they make me feel so special.
Evelyn Johnson