THE son of an alzheimer’s sufferer turned viral sensation singing star has released a book detailing his father's life.
In 2016 footage of Teddy McDermott, from Blackburn, singing in the car with his son Simon went viral, raising more than £150,000 for charity.
The 81-year-old was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2013 and earned the nickname ‘The Songaminute Man’ for his series of videos.
Simon, with the help of family and friends, has now written a book following his father's life, from growing up in Wednesbury to their music success.
The release of the 'The Songaminute Man' book on April 6 came after Teddy released a debut single and album last year off the back of their success.
Simon, 42, said: "I always wanted to write a book about what we've been through, there's nothing around like it.
"I didn't want to just write about his illness as there's more to Dad than him just having dementia.
"If I'm also honest it's been a kind of therapy for me as it's enabled me to find out about Dad.
"I've been given the gift of finding out who my father is, which in turn has revealed to me who I am."
The book, published by HQ, follows the life of Teddy from growing up in the Black Country with 13 siblings.
He moved to Blackburn in the 1970s, when he had son Simon.
Teddy had a lifelong passion for singing and was a Butlin’s Redcoat, who then travelled around the country, singing in pubs and clubs.
The story follows through to the present day, and his diagnosis with Alzheimer’s and the success the pair found online with their 'carpool karaoke' videos.
He released his first single ‘You Make Me Feel So Young' in 2016 and album #SONGAMINUTE last year to coincide with World Alzheimer’s Day.
Son Simon said the release of the book caps off a remarkable few years.
He said: "It's completely surreal, I would never have imagined this happening.
"What we've gone through is just mental, things have just flipped.
"It's changed our lives.
"Dad has been able to live his dream, it's his great joy."
It is available at www.amazon.co.uk/Songaminute-Man-Simon-McDermott/dp/0008232628.
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