Words by Abi Scaife
Actress Amy Nuttall who is most recently known for her appearance in Mr Bates vs The Post Office has released a new track ‘Thank You Mother’, in memory of her late mum.
Amy’s mother, Elaine, sadly passed away at the end of 2023 after a three-month battle with glioblastoma.
“I made a promise to my mum before she died, [that] I would use my platform for some good and raise awareness to this horrific disease,” says Amy. “So I wanted to record this song for her and to raise awareness.”
According to The Brain Tumour Charity, glioblastoma is the most common high-grade primary brain tumour in adults.
“The song ‘Thank you, Mother’ came to my attention in my early-mid 20s, when I was asked to sing it for Gloria Hunniford at an event in London, after the sad passing of her daughter, Karen Keating,” says Amy in an interview with Smiley News. “I've never forgotten the song. It's such a beautiful song. And the lyrics are very poignant to my relationship with my mom.”
Amy became a full-time carer for her mother, alongside her dad and sister, in the months before she passed away. Amy managed to find her CD of ‘Thank You, Mother’ on a trip home, before returning to her mum’s side, and was able to play it for her.
“I played it loud at home while she was in the hospital bed in the lounge. My dad was sat with her weeping, My sister was doing a jigsaw in the kitchen weeping,” recalls Amy. “It was a very, very emotional time, as you can imagine.”
“The song was just so comforting and poignant and beautiful. I think my mum really loved it, and that meant a lot to us.”
When Amy spoke up about her mother’s passing, many brain tumour charities reached out to her to share their condolences. She struck up a particular relationship with one in particular - The Brain Tumour Charity - and it is this charity that she is releasing the song in partnership with.
“Who doesn't love music?” asks Amy. “Music can be so powerful and emotive and helps you through whatever you're going through in life. So what my hope for this song is it helps anyone who's grieving their mum, or anyone who just lost their mum.”
Smiley News were also able to speak to Dr Michele Afif, the CEO at The Brain Tumour Charity, to hear how the release of ‘Thank You, Mother’ will help them to support others like Amy and her mother.
“Words cannot describe how meaningful [the release of ‘Thank You, Mother’ is going to be for us and I hope also for Amy,” says Michele. “Amy’s very beautiful voice and song will actually help people know that they're not alone.”
Amy’s desire to combat the terrible disease which sadly took her mother has led her to support The Brain Tumour Charity, through the release of her song. She will be performing ‘Thank You, Mother’ on the 20th of March 2024 at the Smiley Charity Film Awards.
“The Brain Tumour Charity is a wonderful and hugely important charity. They've been an amazing support to me since my mum passed, and I hope we can raise awareness [together].”
According to Brain Tumour Research, brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer - and more women under 35 than breast cancer.
“Having sat and cared for my mom over the months I was a full-time carer with my dad and my sister … I saw firsthand just what it does,” says Amy. “It's very traumatic; it's traumatic for the person to go through it. It's traumatic for the family.”
Amy’s story is just more proof that charities like The Brain Tumour Charity need support so that they can carry on helping others like Amy and her mother.
“Amy's story … I wish it was rare. It's not and it is no less heartbreaking for being common,” says Michele. “I think she's been hugely courageous. I was very moved by it, personally, and I hope others are as well.”
You can hear Amy’s song, ‘Thank You, Mother’ here at this link.
Follow this link to learn more about The Brain Tumour Charity and how they help those with brain tumours and their loved ones.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Macmillan Cancer Support. They provide specialist health care, information and financial support to people affected by cancer. Learn more here.
Cancer Research UK. This charity provides information for anyone affected by any kind of cancer. Support them here.
Maggie’s. Offers free practical, emotional and social support to people with cancer and the people important to them. Find out more here.
This article aligns with the UN SDGs Good Health and Wellbeing and Partnerships for the Goals.
