Son writing moving song in memory of his mum to raise cash for hospice which cared for her

Mark Gateshill, 51, of Australia Grove, Brockley Whins, South Shields, has penned a moving acoustic guitar-based ballad in tribute to Annie Gateshill, 71 and is in the process of recording it.

In the meantime Mark, with girlfriend Annette Goldsbrough, 55, has also raised over £1,500 for St Benedict’s Hospice in Ryhope – smashing his target by £500.

The couple did so by trading in his well-worn guitars, microphones and other playing gadgets, and from two car boot sales.

Engineer Mark began writing the tune, titled ‘Annie’, just a week after his mother, a former cook, of Clyvedon Rise, Cleadon, died from lung cancer in July.

The mum-of-three and grandmother was cared for by the hospice’s nursing team during her final two weeks.

Mark said: “The staff treated my mum with great care and compassion, the care they gave her was brilliant.

“Although she was dying, she was very happy being looked after with that level of care.

“I felt I wanted to do something to support the hospice as a way of saying ‘thanks’.

“I thought we might raise about £1,000, but we’ve gone well over that and hopeful there’s more to come.

“As for the song, I’m a rock music fan but I wanted to write a nice acoustic guitar ballad in tribute.

“The guitar and vocals have been laid down and I’m hoping to get it recorded at a friend’s professional studio when I can.”

Lisa Peverley, Head of Community Engagement at St Benedict’s Hospice, said: “We want to say a huge thank you to Mark, Annette and everyone who has supported them during their recent fundraising efforts.

“At a time when we need support more than ever before, a donation of this size is truly special.

“We understand Mark is a keen musician and is writing a tribute song for his mum Annie. We really can’t wait to hear it.

“Annie passed away after receiving end of life care by the hospice and is known fondly amongst the staff.”

A message from the Editor:

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

You can subscribe to this website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. SImply click ‘Subscribe’ in the menu. You can subscribe to the newspaper with 20% off here. Thank you.