Cannock singer is 'ray of sunshine' for care home
A singer who usually performs at Midlands care homes has clocked up tens of thousands of views as she serenades elderly residents live on Facebook.
Becky Gosling, of Chenet Way, Cannock, saw bookings fall away when lockdown started so vowed to help audiences enjoy a show live online every day.
Using the hashtag #singalongwithbecky she has been entertaining friends and clients at care homes at 2pm, taking requests and sharing favourite tunes.
Mum-of-two Becky, 43, is sometimes joined by son Max, 11 or daughter Isla, eight.
Proud mum Bron, also of Cannock said: “Becky realised Coronavirus would stop her visits.
“But because she recognises how effective music can be she decided to sing each day on Facebook. This enables carers to tune in and replay the music to residents, either ‘live’ or later.
“We are now approaching 80 days of #singalongwithbecky. She has developed a strong following with daily views sometimes nearing 1,000. From a standing start her average views each day are now in the hundreds..
“We know her views are likely to be approaching 25,000 overall. This is a staggering total for us but it’s actually a very conservative estimate – daily views are from care homes where dozens of people may also be watching.”
"Three years ago, she was very unhappy in her job and decided to leave and do what she enjoys best – singing.
“She has developed a wonderful rapport with residents and their carers and realises that music is a therapy far more powerful than words for many elderly people, especially those with dementia.
“On occasions she entertains bedridden patients to lift their spirits, in their bedrooms, accompanied by a carer. They all love her varied range of vintage-style dresses with their massive underskirts.
