A RENFREW mum has been serenading her neighbours to raise funds for a local care home.

Katie McGhee, 35, was joined by fellow residents in Dakota Way as she sang Neil Diamond’s hit ‘Sweet Caroline’ and the Four Tops song ‘Reach Out I’ll Be There.’

The fun singalong event followed the ‘Clap for Carers’ applause for key workers last Thursday night and raised more than £300 for Renfrew Care Home, in Cockels Loan.

Stay-at-home mum Katie, who previously worked as a professional singer, said she was delighted to see around 40 of her neighbours join in with her performance.

“They loved it,” she added. “Everyone was singing along and it was great fun.

“A lot of my neighbours are elderly and hadn’t come out for the clapping yet, so I printed off the song lyrics and put them through their doors with a wee message asking them to please join me for a singalong after the applause.

“I set up a microphone and it was lovely to see everyone’s spirits so high during these tough times.”

The mum-of-two raised £320 for the care home, with the local Tesco store in Newmains Road donating vouchers worth £100.

The Gazette: Anthony and Amelia took the donations to Renfrew Care HomeAnthony and Amelia took the donations to Renfrew Care Home

The money and vouchers were then delivered to the care home by Katie’s children Anthony, seven, and Amelia, four.

Katie is pleased the event brought some cheer to others during these dark times.

She added: “I’m glad it made people happy and the care home are delighted they are getting the donation for their residents.

“Music allows people to interact with others from afar and I think it’s very healing. It’s been helping me, so I hope it has helped other people too.

“You’re also getting to know neighbours you’ve never spoken to and don’t ever see.

“People have already been putting requests in for another week.”

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