THROUGH the compassionate work of the British Red Cross Dementia Connectors in Swansea, a renowned 81-yr old saxophonist living with dementia is looking forward to once again sharing his gift of music with live audiences – proving that the power of music and support can transcend memory loss.
Graham Thomas, from the Victoria area in central Swansea, spent decades playing all over Britain and Europe as alto and tenor sax player with Swansea’s legendary Blues Bunch. Many fans of live music in South Wales are familiar with his name, and the rich, evocative sound of his saxophone. The band’s 1988 album “Looped” is an acclaimed slice of rhythm and blues that still excites appreciative fans four decades on.
In March 2025, Graham was diagnosed with dementia. He faced it the way he faces every challenge, with courage, good humour and the support of a loving family. He also has the support of British Red Cross. The Welsh Government has commissioned the charity to manage a Dementia Connector service in Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot via the West Glamorgan Regional Partnership. Funding allocated by the Partnership supports people living with dementia and their carers and loved ones.
The Red Cross has been at the heart of community development in Wales for over a century, and their support for people with dementia includes connecting them with friends and group activities. In Graham’s case, after a period away from live music, he’s rediscovering the pleasures of the Bay View on the Swansea seafront, and his old friends at this popular venue are very happy to see him.
David Jones of British Red Cross has been working with Graham since his diagnosis, and he’s delighted to see him enjoying himself at his old stomping ground. He said: “The first time I met Graham he played tenor sax for me and I got goosebumps. This is a man whose musical talent has made people stand up and cheer all over Europe. The talent is still there, and it’s wonderful to see him sharing it again.”
Tuesday night is open mic night at the Bay View, with impromptu live sets from 8pm until late. Graham is looking forward to playing there soon, and in the meantime he’s rehearsing at home along with friends old and new. David Jones is grateful to his fellow community leaders for encouraging Graham to get back where he belongs.
He said: “Fiona Hughes, the Local Area Coordinator for Graham’s part of Swansea, has been a tremendous support, meeting us at the Bay View and helping me connect him with fellow musicians for jamming sessions.
“Graham has a lot of friends in Swansea. Now he’s making more, and soon he’ll have a new generation of fans too. Last week I heard one of the guitarists at the Bay View call Graham the King of the Blues.”
David added: “As well as being an inspiration to his fellow-musicians, Graham is an inspiration to his family. In fact, grandson Gruff is learning to play the sax. Lucky him; he’s learning from the master. It’s wonderful to think that one day they might be playing in public together.”
“It’s great to be back among friends at music nights again” Graham told us. “It’s a reminder of all the happy times I had as a musician, and it’s also a reminder that we all need friends to walk beside us sometimes.
“I appreciate British Red Cross walking beside me and I’m enjoying the journey.”
