Pitch perfect: Harpist Mary's soothing strings calm elderly care ward patients

Patients on our elderly care wards at St Mary's Hospital have been enjoying the calming sound of strings, thanks to professional harpist Mary Reid.

Your generous donations have enabled us to support Mary's regular visits to the hospital where she performs for a wide range of patients, including those with dementia and Parkinson's disease.

Mary, who has performed with the BBC Concert Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, has also spent time performing her music in care homes and cancer wards.

"The staff on these wards are so good at encouraging patients to engage and listen," she said.

"Every week at least one of them tells me how the music has calmed them down and helped them have five minutes to 'just be' in the midst of a busy day.

The soothing tones of the harp are a musical balm on the wards and give Mary the chance to chat with patients and take requests - hymns, Irish folk songs and even showtunes!

"Often people have had memories sparked and there are sometimes tears of emotion too. I love it when a patient tells me a personal story that has come to them after I've played a piece, or a time when they went to a concert when they were younger."

Feeling inspired? Find out more about our arts programme on our website. Go to imperialcharity.org.uk/arts