Singer Tony Christie, who announced in January that he had been diagnosed with dementia, is partnering with Music for Dementia to record an iconic song for Thank You Day 2023.

Christie, who turns 80 this month, is to record a version of Thank You For Being A Friend, first released by his friend Andrew Gold in 1978.

The track will be sung in care homes, at community events and on social media on Sunday 2 July, and will be released as a free download ahead of Thank You Day 2023. Thank You Day was first established in 2021 as a way to thank those who helped the country through the pandemic, and involved more than nine million people in 2022.

Music for Dementia, founded and funded by The Utley Foundation, is leading the Thank You Day 2023 music activities, which will focus on people who are caring for those living with dementia. The campaign aims to encourage people to host or attend a community event, share the Thank You Day song or just listen to music with someone.

 “I continue to tour as I’ve found music improves the symptoms associated with my dementia, so every time I go on stage and work it’s helping me,” said Christie, best known for his recording of the chart hit (Is This The Way To) Amarillo. “It’s important for me to stay positive and try not to let dementia affect my life but I still need some support. If anyone deserves a thank you it’s the UK’s unseen – and unsung – army of carers.”

The campaign is backed by organisations such the Music Publishers Association, Casio, Royal Albert Hall, Girlguiding, Care England, TAP Thank and Praise app, National Care Forum, and Dementia Carers Count. Championing Social Care’s Care Home Open Week will see more than 1,500 care homes opening their doors for musical activity on the day.

Sarah Metcalfe, Music for Dementia managing director, said: “Thank You Day is about coming together to say thank you to the people that make this country so special. With lived experience of dementia, Tony embodies the power music has to improve life and bring joy, so we’re delighted he’s agreed to sing the Thank You Day anthem.”