by Lucy Ashton
An NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde volunteer who spends her time singing for older patients in hospital has performed for a national television audience.
Pat McCamley, 71, appeared on Channel 4’s Your Song and performed Ae Fond Kiss, written by Robert Burns.
Pat took to the stage on The Mound in Edinburgh in an episode hosted by Alison Hammond, with mentorship from Paloma Faith and Sam Ryder.
And as she sang, members of the audience were visibly moved, with Sam Ryder describing her voice as “so pure”.
Pat’s performance was inspired by a moment from her volunteering at Gartnavel General Hospital in Glasgow, where she gives up one morning a week to sing for and with older patients on the ward.
Explaining her choice to the audience, Pat said the song had unlocked a powerful memory.
She said: “I sang it for Jimmy and he had a tear in his eye. When I asked him why, he said it was because his mother used to sing it for him.
“If you all think about a song that brings a memory to you, you’ll know what I’m talking about.
“That’s what songs do. This song is Ae Fond Kiss, and as far as I’m concerned, it’s Jimmy’s song.”
After the performance, Paloma Faith simply said: “That was beautiful,” while Sam Ryder added: “I found that really moving, actually.”
Pat, who lives in the west end of Glasgow, was invited to audition for Your Song after being featured in an NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde series promoting Volunteers’ Week, which highlighted the vital contribution volunteers make across local hospitals and services.
For Pat, pictured here wearing her red volunteer T-shirt, music has always been about connection, something she sees every week during her time on the ward.
She said: “Everybody has a song. It’s your life – it’s your soundtrack.”
Speaking about her experience on the programme, Pat said it had been both joyful and affirming, and a reminder of the power of volunteering.
Pat said: “It was an absolutely fantastic and very positive experience. I never imagined that volunteering would open doors like this for me.
“I truly believe music brings people together. A song can mean something completely different and deeply personal to each individual, and when you see that happen – whether it’s on a hospital ward or on a stage – it’s incredibly special.
“Volunteering has given me the chance to share that, and I’m so grateful for it.”
Pat continues to volunteer at Gartnavel General Hospital, where her singing remains a highlight for patients, staff and visitors alike.
Fiona Smith, NHSGGC Strategic Lead for Volunteering, said: “The contribution volunteers make is immeasurable, and we are so pleased that Pat’s dedication has been recognised and celebrated in this way.
“Gartnavel General Hospital has several elderly medicine wards where some patients can have multiple and lengthy stays, and our volunteers make a real difference to their time in hospital by providing non-clinical support.
“Pat is the most incredible person. She has a unique way of putting music and conversations together that resonate and help to spark special memories.
“It’s heartwarming seeing patients’ faces light up when they hear Pat’s voice. She always puts the patient at the heart of everything she does.”
If you would like to be involved as a volunteer, please visit Become a Volunteer – NHSGGC
Top of page picture: Pat McCamley gets a big post-performance hug from Paloma Faith.