Britain's Got Talent 2017: Judges in tears over boy’s heartbreaking tribute to his gran
BRITAIN’S Got Talent bosses will tonight screen a schoolboy’s heart-breaking tribute to his grandmother who died suddenly last week after suffering from Alzheimer’s.
Harry Gardner, 16, became an internet sensation after he shared his self-penned song Not Alone - Song For Alzheimer’s in honour of his grandmother.
The talented youngster had the hardened talent show judges in tears when he auditioned a few months ago with the poignant song.
He told them he had written it for his nan Maureen McGuinness who was diagnosed with dementia four years ago.
Former supermarket worker Maureen suddenly passed away last week aged 77.
But Harry and his family are adamant that his audition is aired on TV tonight as a tribute to his gran and to help spread awareness about Alzheimer’s which currently affects 850,000 people in the UK.
Harry said: “My gran died last week and it was unexpected. It’s been difficult thing for the family.
“I did tell her I was auditioning for Britain’s Got Talent but she didn’t understand. She even forgot who I was. She slowly deteriorated.
“I’m sad she couldn’t understand I was going on telly but I’m sure she would be proud. She was always very supportive of my music.”
Harry also hopes he will be strong enough to sing the track at her funeral in the coming weeks.
He said: “Not Alone is a special song for me.
"The lyrics talk about the memories that me and my nan shared like how she had chocolate in her handbag and how we would watch her favourite TV shows.
“I am hoping to sing the song at her funeral. My grandfather was hoping I would.
“It’s helped us cope a little bit more as we didn’t know much about Alzheimer’s.
“I am hoping to sing the song at her funeral. My grandfather was hoping I would.
"It’s probably going to be the most difficult performance for me.”
Since his nan’s diagnosis Harry, from Chelmsford in Essex, has been fundraising for the charity Alzheimer’s Research UK and received a letter of praise from former Prime Minister David Cameron for his efforts.
BGT dancer admits she's in pain EVERY time she dances
He posted the song on YouTube and won support from pop star Pixie Lott and former Strictly judge Arlene Phillips.
The song has gone on to notch up over 270,000 views online and raised over £9000 for the Alzheimer’s Research UK charity.
It features Harry playing the piano and singing lyrics that include the lines: “It happened too fast. I find it all so strange.
"I never knew that this could happen. I’d give anything just to hear you laugh.”