Having an in-home performance from the pipe and drum band from the Edmonton Police Service is an unimaginable treat for the band’s many fans. When members of the band actually performed in the front lawn of a patient with incurable cancer, the performance became infinitely more special.
Judy Kelly lives in Butte, Montana, where the Edmonton band enjoys rock star status. Kelly has been battling cancer for six years, and experienced a severe relapse not long ago. Before all her health challenges, Kelly, whose birthday is March 18, became a huge fan of the pipe and drum crew. Over the years, she befriended Deb Hopkins, who works at one of the bars at which the band performs when in Butte. Hopkins, aware that Kelly’s recent birthday might be her last, reviewed the band’s tightly packed schedule. She met up with the group at one of their performances, and explained Kelly’s dire situation. Just a few minutes would be fantastic, she said. The band, composed of current and/or retired police staff, along with some Mounties and soldiers, immediately agreed to play for Kelly.
With the help of Friends of the Pipers, a group that helps raise funds for the band’s appearances in Butte, the pipers arrived at Kelly’s house on St. Patrick’s Day. Keeping the band’s arrival a secret from Kelly, her hospice assistant dressed her in a green outfit and seated her on her front porch.
James McKee, who is the group’s pipe major, said that although the entire band boarded the bus, only six members were able to fit on the front lawn. That didn’t stop them from performing classics such as Amazing Grace, Danny Boy and Scotland the Brave. At the end of the set, everyone enjoyed a shot of Irish whiskey. Kelly, who tires easily, was still able to deliver a toast.
Amazing Grace was abundant for a special lady and a compassionate group of musicians.