Van Morrison comes to aid of pal Henry

Former Lead Guitarist With Wings Henry McCullough Oct 2003

McCullough, 70, needs round-the-clock care for the rest of his life.

He and wife Josie have been unable to secure state assistance with refitting their bathroom, which made it difficult for him to wash.

But Morrison has covered the costs of installing a wet room, and a family friend said: “Henry and Josie can’t thank him enough. It’s a huge help.

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland 15th November 2013

Freedom of the City of Belfast being conferred on singer Van Morrison

Van Morrison performs at the ceremony marking the Freedom of the City of Belfast being conferred on the world famous musician. The event took place at Belfast's Waterfront Hall.

Picture by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye. — Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland 15th November 2013 Freedom of the City of Belfast being conferred on singer Van Morrison Van Morrison performs at the ceremony marking the Freedom of the City of Belfast being conferred on the world famous musician. The event took place at Belfast's Waterfront Hall. Picture by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.

“Van heard that Henry was having terrible trouble, so he decided to step in and help. Henry can now be pushed into the wet room and get washed.”

McCullough - celebrated for his spoken-word line “I don’t know, I was really drunk at the time” in Pink Floyd’s Dark Side Of The Moon track Money - was a member of Paul McCartney’s post-Beatles band from 1971 until 1973.

In 2012 he said of the experience: “It was never going to be a real band, but I have always had a great respect for Paul.” His last album was 2011’s Unfinished Business.

A fundraising concert was held last March, which helped with the costs of returning Henry from hospital to his home on the outskirts of Coleraine.