'Hark now hear' Max Bygraves charity Christmas single in support of Alzheimer's Society

Originally distributed in 1998 on a Christmas Party album, Max's son Anthony, who was also the producer of the original recording, has revamped and remixed the festive favourite, which will be officially released as a download on 7 December.

Anthony said:

'Songs and music have played a huge part in my life and have now inspired this recent fundraising project involving my late father, Max Bygraves, who passed away in early September with Alzheimer's disease.'

'As a family, we would be thrilled to hear our irreplaceable father's voice on the airwaves again. We really want to raise lots of money for Alzheimer’s Society, to support other families who have also been affected by dementia.'

All profits from the 'Mary’s Boy Child' single will be donated to Alzheimer's Society. The entire Christmas Party album will also be available to download from iTunes from 7 December.

Liz Monks, Director of Fundraising at Alzheimer's Society, said:

'One in three people over 65 will develop with dementia, so the condition will touch most of our lives at some point. We are all so grateful to Anthony and the rest of the Bygraves family for thinking of us and generously releasing a single in support of our cause. The money raised will help us continue to support people with dementia and their carers today, and fund research to find a cure for tomorrow'.

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To order your copy of the Max Bygraves charity single, visit www.maxbygraves.com

Notes to editors:

• One in three people over 65 will develop with dementia
• Alzheimer’s Society research shows that 800,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer’s disease. In less than ten years a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051
• Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them
• Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
• Alzheimer's Society has a plan to deal with dementia. Help us support people to live well today and fight for a world without dementia tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting www.alzheimers.org.uk
• Alzheimer’s Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0300 222 11 22 or visit www.alzheimers.org.uk