AN Elvis tribute act who is also a hospital chaplain is using the power of music to rekindle lost memories for people living with dementia.

The regular singing sessions organised by Ysbyty Gwynedd based chaplain, Wynne Roberts, are helping to regain treasured memories for individuals living with dementia in hospitals across north Wales, including Bryn Beryl in Pwllheli and Alltwen in Tremadog.

The singing minister regularly visits hospitals across the region to perform songs from yesteryear, including Graceland favourites, which can trigger deep-set emotions in elderly patients.

The Rev Roberts only started singing four years ago in an effort to cheer up his mum and the other residents at a nursing home on Anglesey.

Since then he has developed a love for the stage, and performs in concerts across the UK, including the annual Porthcawl Elvis Festival.

He was named winner of the Contribution to the Wider Community category at the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board staff achievement awards in 2016 for raising tens of thousands of pounds for charity through his regular concerts.

He said: “Elvis songs are so well known and easy to sing along to.

“I particularly enjoy performing songs such as Can’t Help Falling in Love With You, but I also perform a range of non-Elvis songs, including Welsh hymns like Calon Lan.

“It’s wonderful to see the impact that music and singing can have on patients and I intend to get out to as many hospitals as I can over the coming months.”

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