Last year, 15-year old Harry Gardner wrote and performed, Not Alone, a tribute to his grandmother, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. When his 77-year old “nan” forgot his name, Harry was distraught. He came home and penned the words to his song, which has raised money for Alzheimer’s Research UK. [2/17/2022 TCV Updated URL]
Open your eyes and tell me what you see
Am I among the forgotten?
Please say you remember me
Recently, Harry performed Not Alone on Britain’s Got Talent (BGT) and all four judges gave him a “yes” vote.
Click to view his original video, below.
Lyrics to Harry Gardner’s Not Alone Alzheimer’s song
We know you’re there somewhere inside
I say a prayer for you to smile
Tell me to get the remote
So we can watch your favourite show
And ruffle my hair and say it’s bad
and tell me there’s chocolate in your handbag
And tell me just how much I’ve grown
According to a report by SWNS.com, Harry has raised £80,000 (~$100,000 US), exceeding his goal of raising £25,000 (~$32,000 US)
To learn more about Harry, visit and connect with him at
[TCV Update 10/22/2021: Updated Facebook link below is live; however, the last update was in 2020. His Twitter account appears to be gone.]
Sadly, Harry’s “nan” passed away in April, shortly before his audition aired on BGT. Yet, her Alzheimer’s inspired this 16-year old teen to do something remarkable. His performance is raising awareness and touching people around the world.
Thank you, Harry.
What a remarkable young man, it is such a nice thing to see young people taking a stand in the fight against both Dementia & Alzheimer’s.
I love this song. I’m a grandmother and have four grandchildren who will also be sad. My youngest one, Jack, an 11 year old, cried the other day while we were watching a television show. A grandfather on t.v. was failing from the effects of AD, couldn’t speak; Jack shared with tears in his eyes, “I’m sad, Grandma, to think that might be you.”
I assured him, hugged him, kissed him and said we’re going to fight really hard to “beat it.”
Awwwww, how bittersweet – an endearing touching moment with an observant grandchild and the strength of his grandmother to comfort him. Thank you for sharing this moment, Nancy.