Pensioner pianist aged 98 playing to raise cash for NHS

● Captain Tom inspired arthritis sufferer

Agreat-grandmother aged 98, inspired by Captain Tom Moore, is overcoming her battle with arthritis to play the piano for 100 days in support of the NHS.

Rebecca Parker was taught how to play piano by her mother Isabella MacLennan while growing up on the Isle of Skye.

Decades on, she is using her love of music to help raise money for NHS key workers continuing to battle the Covid-19 crisis.

Mrs Parker, who also learned the accordion and fiddle in her youth, is playing a series of traditional Highland dancing and Scottish tunes on a baby grand piano every day for 100 days, despite having severe arthritis in her hands.

The former primary school teacher, a resident at McClymont House care home in Lanark, South Lanarkshire, said: “My mother Isabella

MacLennan was a fine pianist and she taught me.

“I get a fine big cushion to sit on and I like to play some Scottish tunes.”

Mrs Parker was inspired to take on the challenge following the outstanding efforts of Captain Tom Moore in the run-up to his 100th birthday.

Now more than halfway through her own quest, her efforts have so far raised in excess of £2,300 for the NHS, doubling her initial crowdfunding target.

The money will be donated to the Lanarkshire Health Board Endowment Fund which invests donations to improve patients’ health.

Mrs Parker is also a dedicated member of the congregation at St John’s Parish Church in Carluke, Lanarkshire.

Care home manager Charles Delaney said: “She is a remarkable and selfless woman. The fact that she is 98 and still determined to continue helping people in the wider community is inspiring.”

FEAT: Rebecca Parker is playing for 100 days despite having arthritis in her hands