This Whiston Nan was treated to a surprise doorstep concert

Whiston grandmother Elsie McKee had front row seat for her very own doorstep concert this week.

The former biscuit factory worker was delighted when she got a visit from Royal Liverpool Philharmonic musician Sameeta Gahir, who treated her to some of her favourite songs.

Lorraine Stephenson, Elsie’s great niece, who had nominated her for the surprise performance, says: “Auntie Elsie was delighted.

“Like a lot of older people she is staying in to stay safe and getting very fed up – so I thought it would be a lovely treat for her to have her own concert just for her, something special for someone special.”

Out and about & off the stairs☀️Today @Calderstones Park, with news from The Reader & more?

Also the #EFC fan taking on a challenge with a difference for #NHS, a new Liverpool beer listings site?& news from @Liverpool_ONE. @RISE_liverpool & more.

Hope you’re doing ok. Jay? pic.twitter.com/SHaQLOzDVh

— The Guide Liverpool (@TheGuideLpool) May 28, 2020

She adds: “When me and my sisters were taken into foster care at the age of 11, my auntie Elsie (and Uncle Don) used to travel all the way to Wrexham every weekend to take us out and make sure we didn’t feel forgotten. We went on holidays and stayed with them.

“She was and is the most wonderful person – as was my uncle, so selfless and I would do anything for her.

“This was just a little treat to say thank you for all she’s done for me, and because she deserved it. She was so excited, it was lovely to see.”

Pic credit – Activate digital.

Lorraine, from Anfield, nominated her great aunt after seeing a piece on the Liverpool Covid Facebook site about the World Harmony Orchestra.

The World Harmony Orchestra is an ensemble of professional and international musicians which performs for peace and humanitarian causes, raising funds and awareness for charities and supporting vulnerable people through music: “We believe that society should be like an orchestra, where everyone plays their part and has their voice heard.

Pic cred Activate digital.

“We especially want to reach out to isolated and lonely people who would benefit from visits at home.”

One of their outreach projects offers one-off 30-minute ‘Cuppa Concerts’ at people’s homes; the public can choose the style, repertoire, instruments/singers, or be surprised by discovering new music.

Sameeta, who is principal piccolo for the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, played Somewhere Over The Rainbow, one of 88-year-old Elsie’s favourite songs; We’ll Meet Again, a song loved by her late husband, and You’ll Never Walk Alone.

Lorraine, who has an engineering company, says: “It was lovely to see the smile on Auntie Elsie’s face and to do so something nice for her.

Pic cred Activate digital.

“She absolutely loved it – so I’ve told her I’ll take her on a trip to see the Phil once we can do that again.

“Auntie Elsie did so much for us, to try to normalise our lives and make everything better for us, and I wanted to do the same for her.

“I am who I am and where I am because of her.  She’s an amazing lady.”

Get in touch with The Guide Liverpool through isolation on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram or email info@theguideliverpool.com.