Irish singer songwriter Jo Garrity admits her performance at Emily Smith’s funeral was the toughest of her career.
Her two-hour set included Emily’s Song, written as a tribute to the friend she knew through Emily’s mum Jan Lakin.
Jo – stage name Redd – taught at a school where Jan was head teacher.
Jo Garrity – stage name Redd – performing one of her songs.
Jo, now an educational consultant, said: “I was inspired to write Emily’s Song when Jan asked me to sing at Emily’s life celebration.
“It’s about Emily, her challenges, life and positive outlook. It has a lyric about a sunflower, the East Cheshire Hospice emblem.
“It was Emily’s favourite flower and symbolises her perfectly.
“The song was easy to write because of her spirit, and it was an honour to perform it. You could hear a pin drop. Everyone sat and listened and there were tears.
Emily and family with nursing staff at the Hospice.
“It was powerful, heartbreaking and my most difficult performance, even though I’ve sung at many other sad occasions.”
Jan said: “Emily organised her own funeral and wanted Jo to sing. She wanted the boys to remember it as mum’s party rather than a wake.”
Jo also performed Remember, a song liked by Emily and her mum. It is available on all major platforms by searching for Reddmusic. Proceeds are donated to the Hospice.
Jo has enjoyed global success as a singer, Simon Cowell once describing her voice as unique and breathtaking. She has also performed the Australian national anthem at rugby internationals.