Guitarist Keith gets a special gift from pastor

Former church band member Keith Keenan has been gifted a guitar to continue playing in his care home in Skelmersdale.

Keith, who lives at Aaron Crest Care Home, on Tanhouse Road, was given the instrument by Rev Dr Anne Kazich.

The community priest in the parish of St. Paul’s has been visiting the home on a regular basis to lead monthly singing sessions with the residents.

She learned Keith used to play guitar in a church band, so decided to find someone willing to donate a guitar to get him strumming again.

Keith said: “I’m so happy with my new guitar and it will be looked after. I’m looking forward to learning the chords again that Dr Rev Anne has given me.”

Rev Dr Kazich said: “Keith has been coming to our singing group and clearly enjoys taking part. 

“He shared that he used to play the guitar in a worship band in his previous church and said he would love to do it again. 

“On occasions he bursts spontaneously into beautiful worship hymns - so I thought I would see if anyone is able to donate a guitar to make his dream come true - and indeed that someone came forward. 

“Keith enjoys expressing his love and worship for God in these ways and it would be a shame if he can't continue just because he is not in his own home anymore.”

Keith learned to play guitar at the age of eight. He was a regular church goer and was taught to play by Pastor David Downes, of Flimby Church, in Cumbria.

He was lead guitarist for the church band when he moved with his wife and children to Wigan.

After moving back to Skelmersdale, he was eventually diagnosed with Korsakoff’s syndrome, a chronic memory disorder, as well as epilepsy and neurological problems following a car accident.

He moved into Aaron Crest Care Home in September 2018 and has been regularly participating in the singing sessions with Rev Dr Kazich.

Home manager Adrienne Ratcliffe said: “Keith has been getting involved with many of our regular activities but has shown a special interest in the singing sessions with Rev Dr Anne Kazich.

“It was very kind of her to get him a guitar, which he absolutely loves. Despite his health conditions, he remembers how to play and has been practicing.

“We’re looking forward to seeing him perform at future sessions with the Rev Dr.”

Aaron Crest Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.