Sunderland-born singer-songwriter Faye Fantarrow has spoken out about her recent brain tumour diagnosis, and her thoughts on the reaction she has had from fans.
The 20-year-old musician from Sunderland has been diagnosed with a rare brain tumour and is now crowdfunding to raise £450,000 to take part in a clinical trial in the USA.
She had been booked to play Lindisfarne Festival and tipped as a rising star by BBC Introducing in the North East.
The singer, however, revealed she was diagnosed with an aggressive glioma brain tumour at the end of the summer.
Read more: Young North East musician diagnosed with a rare brain tumour needs help for USA lifeline
Faye told The Northern Echo: “Since I announced the news, I’ve been absolutely overwhelmed by all the love and support.
“Everyone’s been absolutely amazing and so nice.”
Faye had previously been diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia when she was only eight.
The cancer returned in 2015 when she was 13, leading to long stays in hospital, more chemotherapy and radiotherapy, followed by a bone marrow transplant.
Read more: Darlington singer announces new venture in bid to improve mental health
In recent months, Faye began to feel unwell again and “just knew something wasn’t right.”
Her sister took her to A&E at the RVI in Newcastle and after numerous scans it was revealed that Faye had a glioma brain tumour.
Faye is now fundraising to receive CAR T-Cell treatment from the City of Hope Medical Centre, in Duarte, Los Angeles.
The therapy involves genetically modifying T-cells, a form of white blood cell, to activate the immune system to recognise and destroy certain cancers.
The reaction to Faye’s diagnosis has been immense, with her story moving thousands of people to donate to her cause.
Read more: NHS bosses answer the most common Covid questions from Echo readers
She said: “I am so lucky to have such caring and supportive fans.”
As it stands, her fans have raised £119,000 of the necessary £450,000.
Faye has also wowed music critics, previously winning the Alan Hull award for up-and-coming musicians in the North East.
One of Faye’s most vehement supporters is Dave Stewart, of Eurythmics. She has been under his tutelage since he saw her potential, and has recently signed her to his record label, Bay Street Records.
Dave contributed £50,000 to Faye’s appeal, and Annie Lennox, the other half of Eurthymics, has contributed an additional £10,000.
To donate to Faye's crowdfunding page, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/abigail-thompson-2 or click here.
Read next:
- Smash hit West End show returns to the North East - here's when
- Fenwick reveals theme behind hugely popular North East Christmas window display
- 'Save our theatres' - urgent calls to support North East venues during cost-of-living crisis
Take advantage of our Black Friday offer and save 25% on all new Premium Plus subscriptions with the code BLACKFRIDAY. Find out more.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here