I WAS very sorry to read recently that my musical hero Tony Bennett has been living with Alzheimer’s for the past four years. The family had kept it a secret but decided that now was the right time to let people know about his condition.

His wife Susan said it was a 24-hour-a-day condition and that his love of music really helps him.

So, as a huge admirer of Tony Bennett’s music, I decided to combine the 24 hours and the love of music and came up with a 24-hour Swing-a-thon to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society, which has been deeply affected by the pandemic in its fundraising.

Those living with the disease, both at home and in care homes, have also been severely affected. So I wanted, as a salute to Tony Bennett, do something to try and help.

I will begin performing songs from the Great American Songbook at Mulino restaurant in Urmston on Friday, March 5, at 6pm and finish singing 24 hours later.

I will be behind glass windows, socially distanced and on my own in the new extension part of the restaurant along Primrose Avenue. I’m sure you will notice the balloons and banners outside on the day!

I will also be live-streaming the event, so you can go online and see me singing at any point during the 24 hours. More details to follow.

It’s not going to be an easy challenge - singing for a long period can be tough on the vocal cords but I will be staying well hydrated with tea and honey and plenty of water. My main concern is staying awake. I do like my early nights, so that will be a challenge for me.

There will be a collection tin on the day and I have also set up a JustGiving page. All money raised goes directly to the charity where it will be put to good use.

I would love Wayne’s World readers to get behind this initiative and support me by sharing the news of what I am doing with your friends and families and also, if you are in a position to do so, kindly make a donation, no matter how small,.

I have set a target of £5,000 and at the last count we had just over £2,000 which I am thrilled about.

You can donate by visiting www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Wayne-Devlin or you can donate on the day.