MS sufferer's CD set to help charity
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A RETIRED medical research professor at Raigmore Hospital who was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis 13 years ago is using his lifelong passion for music to aid fellow sufferers of the condition.
Dave Godden (64) was a medical professor at the University of Aberdeen, Research Director of the Centre for Rural Health in Inverness, and a part time consultant at Raigmore when, in 2005, following years of minor symptoms, he was diagnosed with relapsing multiple sclerosis after losing the feeling in his left hand.
The father-of-two is a singer , multi-instramentalist and is well known on the traditional music scene. For four years he was chairman of the Nairn Book and Arts Festival.
He retired from that role this year and his CD 'Life Stories' was launched at a special concert party in Nairn Community Centre where Dave played some tracks from the CD.
The event was promoted by Ardersier Folk Club which meets at the PACE Cafe in the village every Tuesday and provides a platform for lovers of folk music to come along and perform in what has quickly become one of the top 'trad' session gatherings in the Highlands.
“Having MS has changed my life in lots of ways," said Dave, "though I have been fortunate compared to many.
"After 2005, I could no long do clinical procedures, though I continued my research. I have had various symptoms over the years and for a time I could not play music at all, although I eventually got back to some, but not all instruments.
"However, having the illness also made me think more carefully about how to use my time, and made me appreciate what I have, things previously taken for granted. I took early retirement in 2011, and since then have written two novels, one of which “The Cure”, a fictional account of the discovery of a potential cure for MS, was published in 2012.
"I also spent four rewarding years as chairman of the Nairn Book and Arts Festival, a great privilege, and on giving that up, decided to try song writing, leading to the production of this CD, all proceeds from which go to the MS Society Scotland. They directly support people affected by this all too common illness, as well as funding research and advocacy for patients’ needs. I am very grateful to all who have helped this project so far.”
He was accompanied at the concert by the musical duo Corralach (George Livingstone and Tony Perridge), his own band Champin' at the Bit - a compilation of musical pals who have spread their wings across the UK but occasionally re-unite for 'one last farewell' performance.
The evening closed with the 'Big Session Band' which effectively is an invitation to musicians to bring along their instruments and join Dave's guests on stage for what will be a rousing finale to the concert.
Dave has played and sung since he was a child having been given his first harmonica by Santa Claus when he was five.
He first experienced symptoms of the illness 20 years ago but was diagnosed with relapsing MS in 2005.
Of the tracks on his CD Dave said: "Each song tells a story - some are a wee bit melancholy, some more light hearted, but they all deal with real life and I think that people will relate to them."
The songs and tunes are traditional with a country flavour and some with a jazz twist.
One is a tribute to his wife Jean, former rector at Nairn Academy.
He also played one tune composed for his friend Dr Malcolm Steven who first diagnosed his condition and the album also features a moving tribute to the cellist Jacqueline du Pre who at a young age lost her career and ultimately her life to MS.
Featuring on the album are Roy Campbell on bass, fiddle, guitars and harmony vocals, Jeff Collins on bodhran and bongos and Mabel Green on cello.
The CD priced at £10 (proceeds to MS Society Scotland), will also be available at www.davidjgodden.co.uk
