A Renfrewshire grandad and his grandson have been melting hearts at a care home as staff discover their special bond.
George Kerr and Kieran have a fantastic relationship that cannot be broken – with the pair enjoying long chats and the youngster listening to the pensioner sing.
Kieran, 13, has autism, severe learning difficulties and has not been able to see his grandad for three years due to the Covid pandemic, his special needs and the fact he lives in Banbury, Oxfordshire.
However, staff at Elderslie Care Home have captured a wholesome video of George, 87, singing a song for Kieran to send to him.
In the video, the grandad sings ‘White Christmas’ by Michael Buble and it is said to be one of Kieran’s favourite videos.
Kieran’s mum, Andrea Kerr, got in touch with the care home to let them know just what it meant to the teenager and their family.
She says Kieran watches the video before bed and always says goodnight to his grandad before going to sleep.
Speaking about the video George recorded for his grandson, she said: “We all love George so much and he is Kieran’s idol.
“It’s become a nightly routine now in our house that when Kieran is in his bed he will watch the video along with me and his dad.
“At the end of the video, he says, ‘night night grandad’ before he goes to sleep. As you can imagine, we are all overcome with emotion every time!
“It feels like George is in the room with us and it brings him closer to us. It’s really magical and hard to describe the amazingly positive effect this has had on Kieran.”
Before retiring, George worked for Stoddarts as a carpet designer, machinist and fitter from the age of 16 and it was here that he met his wife, Gina, who sadly passed away five years ago.
Within the local community, George is a well-known figure due to his popularity and his daughter-in-law says that he is a “one off” as he also entertains people.
Andrea continued: “George is a one off and always leaves such a great impression on everybody he meets.
“Apparently he is singing and entertaining everyone in the care home which is no surprise to us!
“George sang ‘Danny Boy’ at our wedding and has always had a passion for singing which really endeared him to Kieran from a young age. The video of him singing his rendition of ‘White Christmas’ is a memory we will cherish forever.”
George was one of the very first first baby boys to be born at the old Thornhill maternity hospital back in 1935.
Coincidentally, his daughter-in-law Andrea was one of the last baby girls to be born there before its closure, and so they share a unique piece of history.
George moved into Elderslie care home earlier this year, has settled in well and is well thought of by the staff.
He has made a remarkable recovery after a period of ill health and is back singing away.
Care assistant Catriona Gralko, who recorded and posted the video, added: “George is a lovely gentleman. He is full of fun and has a great singing voice. He has been poorly recently but is now back to his great self.
“He’s always chatting and keeping us entertained and is much loved by all the staff and residents. He’s a real charmer!”
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