Farming community rallies behind former veterinary surgeon battling Alzheimer’s

WHILST coronavirus dominates the headlines, a retired rural vet is helping highlight another serious national health issue Alzheimer’s, which is all the more pertinent as affected old folk and their carers in rural areas are coping with isolation.

Alongside his distinguished veterinary career, Bob Muir was a respected Borders horseman, but now lives with the daily challenge of vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

But when Bob celebrated his recent 90th birthday, his son Gordon gave him an unusual gift – he had recorded a song for him, titled “The Grey”, loosely based on a quote from his father’s favourite “riders” poet, Will H. Ogilvie, and made a video to match.

Initially, this project was intended as just a bit of fun, but it gradually turned into something much more poignant – a moving tribute that honours the “little wins” in Bob’s daily battle with this cruel and debilitating condition.

The engineer who recorded the song – who had previously worked for Alzheimer Scotland – suggested the video might also give comfort to other families in a similar situation, culminating in it now being part of a crowdfunding campaign.

The song has since been played on BBC Radio Scotland, and plans are now under way to make it available as a digital download, again with all proceeds going to Alzheimer Scotland.

Rachael Mclean, lead locality fundraiser from Alzheimer Scotland, said: “With over 90,000 people living with dementia in this country, and a rising number of people receiving a diagnosis, we are honoured that Gordon has chosen to donate all proceeds from this very personal project to Alzheimer Scotland.”

Sarah Simpson, the senior vet at Bob’s old veterinary practice in Hawick, said: “I’ve known Bob as long as I can remember and was thrilled to work alongside him. He taught me all about being a country vet in mixed practice. This ranged from treating small “furries” in the surgery, to being ferried to remote farms by tractor in the snow to calve a cow. Bob was always a positive and supporting mentor to me as a young vet.”

Scottish Racing’s community engagement manager Eleanor Boden, said: ”This is a beautiful tribute to Bob Muir for his 90th Birthday and really highlights the importance of encouraging individuals who are living with a diagnosis to remain, as involved as possible, with the aspects of their lives that are important to their identity and well-being.”

To support this fundraiser, visit gofundme.com.