“I look at my role as being a friend of Canberra Hospital, I can bring some pleasure and happiness sometimes to people who are really in difficult times in their lives.”
With backing music from a Bluetooth speaker, Sayer croons his way around the cancer wards, making a human connection with everyone he comes across.
Canberra Region Cancer Centre Operations Manager Caroline McIntyre says Sayer’s visits are typically kept a surprise for patients and staff.
“He’s always come in so discreetly,” she says.
“Normally it’s just very quiet, he comes up in the back lift and says hello to literally everybody.
“Some of them are doing it tough, and to have a little bit of joy and light – it really gives them a lift.
“What makes me happy is to see people getting chemo on their feet dancing.”
Jamming with Jimi Hendrix, Countdown and the Troubadour
Originally a graphic designer by trade, English-born Leo Sayer rose to pop prominence in London in the late 1960s, as a singer-songwriter – and was soon adopted by Australia as an honorary son after his first tour here in 1974.
He went on to become an Australian citizen in 2009.
Sayer was a regular on ABC TV’s Countdown during the 70s and 80s, performing chart-toppers like “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing”, “When I Need You”, “More Than I Could Say” and “Orchard Road”.
He blushingly admits they were wild days – when he didn’t always live up to his “good-guy” public persona.
“It was mad, I mean, Top of the Pops in England, Countdown over here,” he says.
“You were mobbed by the fans, I remember being dragged out of a limousine the first tour that I came here, and then speaking to crazy people like Molly Meldrum on TV and trying to sort of like take it all in.”
It seems hard to believe – the petite, well-spoken singer, with a mane of curly hair that inspired changing his name from Gerard to Leo – beating off mobs of screaming fangirls.
Sayer circulated in superstar company, becoming close friends with former Beatles George Harrison and Paul McCartney, collaborating with Roger Daltrey of The Who, and even sharing a sly cigarette or two with John Lennon and Yoko Ono who had a flat above his design studio.
“I met Jimi Hendrix right at the start of his career. I actually jammed with him, playing the harmonica, and him playing the guitar,” he says.
Recalling his 1975 opening night at the famous Troubadour Club in Los Angeles, he looked up to see an intimidating line-up of fans in the front row.
“It was David Bowie, Elton John, and ‘The Fonz’ [Henry Winkler].”
Alongside them: John Cleese, Mick Jagger, Bernie Taupin, and comedian Marty Feldman.
“We never thought it would last, we were adapting to things around us, writing songs about things that are around us,” he says.
“And we thought they were only for our generation — so the amazing thing is my music’s become like a fine wine, where you lay it down and years later, it becomes a collector’s item.
“We’re in an age where the music that I make, young kids are actually latching onto it now, and they’re finding that that generation and that style of music we made is as current now as anything.”
Sayer’s health battles, still spreading hope at 76
Leo Sayer says his hospital charity work caps off a career dedicated to providing joy through music.
“It’s a nice piece of synchronicity really, because I was born in the grounds of a hospital in Shoreham by Sea in Sussex, near Brighton in England,” Mr Sayer said.
“I suppose I’ve always felt comfortable in hospitals and being around hospitals.
“Growing up, my dad was a hospital engineer, Mum was a nurse, my sister was a matron.”
Sayer has health struggles of his own, including three stents in his heart, which help him have a genuine connection to the hospital patients he entertains.
“[My music] is providing something that isn’t taking away from any of the treatment that’s going on. It’s providing something that’s just putting a smile on peoples’ faces.
“Music is communication and that’s what this is all about, we’re communicating, we’re making people feel better.
“We’re not healing people with music, but we are making them feel better about their healing.
“To sell out Canberra Hospital will do me fine.”
The Heart-Stopping Account Of A Heroic Rescue Dog’s Confrontation With A Sea Of Venomous Snakes
In a profoundly moving act of kindness and loyalty, it was Max, the faithful dog, who stood before John and the dogs who advanced, protecting his owner from danger.
The story takes a turn with an ending that will certainly touch your heart and bring tears of joy to your eyes.
As John walked through the forest, completely aware that two venomous snakes were ready to attack, his loyal dog sensed the imminent danger and sprang into action.
Jon was overwhelmed with gratitude for Max’s remarkable bravery and unwavering loyalty.
Ultimately, the story of the fearless dog who courageously put himself in harm’s way to protect his owner from venomous snakes is a poignant reminder of the special bond between humans and their furry friends.
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Girl Rescues Dying Dog And Then He Let’s Her Know It’s Time To Say ‘Goodbye’
We’ve all heard or seen stories about dogs on their way to the Rainbow Bridge. Each time they touch our hearts, it is in a different way. This is the story of Sophiane and Hippo.
Even though this homeless dog was too sick to save, Sophiane Nacer still wanted to give him the best ‘end of days’ she could. She resolved that Hippo, an old stray with tumors, would only sense love when he left this world.
“Even if it was just for a day,” Sophiane, the 19-year-old founder of Cayleb’s Kindred Senior Dog Rescue, told TODAY, Hippo would have the happiest last day of his life.
After a five-day wait, Sophiane adopted Hippo and took him home from the shelter. The skin on the unfortunate dog was itchy to touch. Sophiane was unsure whether Hippo could feel anything because he was in so much pain.
All her doubts evaporated as she saw his tail wag. The ailing dog was still optimistic. He FOUGHT to feel love and happiness before he left this world.
So Sophiane took Hippo to Starbucks and bought him a Puppuccino, a hidden menu item that dogs like that is basically a cup filled with delicious whipped cream.
The next day, Hippo was still upbeat, so Sophiane took him to a dog park for some playtime. He loved every minute of it! But then he remembered Sophiane.
The old dog, who was suffering yet hopeful, had a message for his new best friend… He was ready to depart. He was ecstatic to be able to spend time with Sophiane, but he was tired and in pain, and it was time to say goodbye.
Sophiane had a vet euthanasia specialist visit her home after the dog park. The vet specialist had prepared a stuffed roasted chicken for him. He was able to have his final meal with Sophiane as peacefully as possible before falling into a painless permanent sleep.
While this is a heartbreaking story in many ways, it is also quite inspiring. A dying dog who would otherwise have known only suffering was able to spend the rest of his little life feeling loved and wanted.
May all dogs leave this world feeling as loved as this one! Rest in peace, Hippo. You were a fantastic young man!
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