Ken and Mil’s Story

Ken and Mil Simpson are both in their eighties (Mill 89 & Ken 83). They have been together for 52 years and music has always played a big part of their life together.

Mil has been living with dementia since 2010 but that has not stopped them continuing to enjoy music together. Their playlist helps relive the many concerts they have attended from Andy Williams to Fleetwood Mac to Eagles and Simply Red. 

As a couple Ken and Mill enjoyed dancing to the orchestras of the day like Syd Lawrence or Phil Moss at the Kings Hall, Belle Vue’s iconic dance hall in Greater Manchester.  

Music has greatly supported Mil and Ken her main carer on their dementia journey. Mil and Ken attend several weekly groups that specifically provide music singing or dance for those affected by dementia. 

In September 2025 Ken and Mil met with Playlist for Life Ambassador Sir Alex Ferguson on BBC Breakfast to share their story and also share a song or two. Watch the full interview below. 

 Ken shares songs from their personal playlist and why these songs are important to them both. 

A Long Way To Tipperary

Songs like this from WW 2 bring back memories for Mil of Italian prisoners of war marching down Victoria Street where she lived at the time  

Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond    
Neil Diamonds Sweet Caroline is always the song we sing at the end of our Thursday music group the Marion Coleman organises for us. Its and a way of saying goodbye to each other till we meet up again the following week.  

Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You – Andy Williams 

Andy Williams was a firm favourite of ours. We were lucky enough to see him in concert at Belle Vue in 1974 and we still listen to his CDs.

Simply the Best – Tina Turner  

Tina Turner is a firm favourite of Mils having seen her live on numerous occasions and ‘Simply the Best’ is her very best favourite.

In the Mood – Syd Lawrence  

This reminds us of the Ritz Ballroom in Manchester. A popular a venue for Ballroom Dancing that we enjoyed dancing to the Syd Lawrence and Phil Moss Orchestras  

Thank you to Ken and Mil for sharing their story with us and viewers of BBC Breakfast. We are so grateful to our community who share their stories and help others facing dementia. 

If you care for a family member living with dementia and would like to build a playlist, please check out our free resources or get in touch.