A man living with Alzheimer’s learnt to play the drums at aged 79 with help from a music therapy support group.

John Evans, 80, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s two years ago.

Since his diagnoses, he and his wife, Ruth Evans, have found solace by going to Music 24, a charity that helps people with dementia and learning difficulties via music.

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Mrs Evans, 60, told Watford Observer that the group has helped her husband to socialise and try new things.

She said: “The group gave him the chance to try the drums.

“He has never played an instrument before, and he loved them so much that I bought drums for his birthday.

Watford Observer: John is happy playing the drums. Picture: Ruth EvansJohn is happy playing the drums. Picture: Ruth Evans

“The drums are a godsend. When John is a bit agitated or confused or just doesn’t really know what to do, he will go and play his drums and half an hour later he is a totally different person.

“He’s my John again. He is calm and he is happy.”

With nine grandchildren, the drums have become a focal point for all the family to enjoy too.

Mrs Evans said: “The grandchildren love to have a go if they can. John just sits back, watches and nods along.

“I’m sure he is thinking, ‘I can do better’.”

Mrs Evans said she can’t believe that the neighbours don’t hear John playing the drums.

She said: “But they understand John would only do it in the daytime. He has respect for people.

"He will put his rubber mats on top of his drums to make them a little quieter.”

The couple, of Hammer Parade, Leavesden, attend five sessions every two weeks.

One session is held in Watford every two weeks at the Pump House and the others are held across Hertfordshire.

She said: “John loves it so much and I can see how good it is for him.”

Mrs Evans explained that the group session is for everyone to get involved with.

She said: “You can see people come alive when a certain song gets sung.

“The musical instruments get moved around and everybody tries different things.”

The group is not only for people living with dementia, but their careers too.

Mr Evans said: “Carers can join in with the sessions or we can go off to the side and have a conversation and ask each other how we are feeling.

“Once, we went to a group and I wasn’t in the right place.

“One of the lovely people from Music 24 sat with John and made sure his drums were set up while one of the ladies took me into another room.

“For an hour and a half, I got everything off my chest. It’s support for everyone.”

Music 24’s prominence in people’s lives has encouraged one of the member’s sons, Philip Clay, to raise money for the group by cycling 150 miles from Hitchin in Hertfordshire to Horncastle in Lincolnshire.

He exceeded his target of £6,000 having raised £7,363.49 to date.

Mr Evans said: “I really wanted the profile of this young man to be raised.

“I think what he did was amazing."

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