A star-studded evening of North East music will raise money for an immensely talented young singer songwriter diagnosed with a life-threatening brain tumour.
Faye Fantarrow, 20, was the winner of the Alan Hull award for song writing last year and was recently signed to Dave Stewart’s Bay Street Records label.
Faye fell poorly in September, having previously been diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia when she was only eight.
She underwent a gruelling course of chemotherapy, but 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.
Faye’s rare glioma brain tumour is believed to be a consequence of the radiotherapy she had for her transplant.
Her Newcastle consultant told her of a new treatment available in America and she has been accepted for treatment at the City of Hope Hospital in Duarte, California – but at a cost of £450,000.
The region’s musical community has wrapped its arms round the popular young rising star and almost £200,000 has already been raised, including a £50,000 donation from Dave Stewart and a £10,000 contribution from fellow Eurythmics star Annie Lennox.
Now an evening with Faye Fantarrow & Friends with the Great Northern All Star Band has been announced for The Fire Station, Sunderland, on Friday, January 27 next year to continue the fundraising.
Acts already confirmed include Field Music, Frankie & the Heartstrings, Tom A Smith, Reali T, Komparrison, Nadedja – and Faye herself.
The artists will perform one of their own numbers and one of Faye’s or a song chosen by Faye.
Artists will play alongside the evening’s house band, the Great Northern All Star Band, which will be packed with local musical talent.
Dave Brewis, of Field Music, said: “The evening will be a true coming together of the North East music community in aid of a very special talent.
“As soon as we heard about Faye’s situation, we started scrabbling around thinking of what we might do to help.
“We don’t have a ton of money to put in the pot, but we can give our time and we can play some tunes and we can call in every favour we have in our back pockets. Faye needs a chance and if we all work together we can make that happen.”
Frankie Francis, of Frankie & the Heartstrings, said: “If any group of people can make this target a reality, it’s like-minded, determined musicians and creatives from Sunderland and the North East.
“It’s not going to be without hard work but we can make some memorable events in the process and this will be one.”
Nadedja, a Brazilian-born singer songwriter who is now based in the North East, said: “Faye is one of the most talented songwriters I’ve ever met and a truly beautiful person.
“It’s a real honour to be part of an event like this one, uniting so many people with the one goal of making her treatment and recovery possible! We’ve got you, Faye!”
And Tom A Smith, a 17-year-old Sunderland singer, added: “I was desperately sad to hear what Faye is going through and would love her to be in a position to pay for her treatment as quickly as possible.
“I’m really proud that so many people are looking to help and get involved in what will be a special, emotional evening.”
Newcastle-based rapper Reali-T said: “Faye’s diagnosis has been a huge blow to the North East music scene, regardless of genre.
“It is imperative that we come together to raise funds for her treatment because, I believe, she has a legendary career ahead of her. I am extremely proud to play any part in making this happen.”
In response to the speed at which local artists have signed up for the evening, Faye said: “I didn’t think my love for the North East could be cemented in any stronger foundations than they already are but these past few months have proven me wrong.
“The way people have rallied round to carry and support me in the darkest of times is so heartwarming and honestly what has kept me going when I felt like giving up; seeing the way every gesture, big or small adds up to make all the difference is awe inspiring!
“The Sunderland music scene has been a beacon of light for me, from the time everyone has sacrificed to the endless pouring of love.
“I see them all as family and I’m especially excited to share such an important night with the very best and my personal local heroes/friends.
“I hope this night can give me the chance to finally pay forward all my gratitude and put it into my first performance back! I can’t wait to be on that stage!”
Tamsin Austin, Venue Director at The Fire Station, added: “Faye holds a special place in our heart at The Fire Station.
“She was one of the shining lights in our opening night in December 2021 and we are devastated about her diagnosis.
“We are determined to stand beside Faye and help her keep the faith while she navigates this very challenging situation.
“We hope that we can unite the north east scene at The Fire Station on January 27 for a very special event to help raise these essential funds.”
Glioma is a tumour that develops in the brain and spinal cord. Gliomas start in the gluey supportive cells surrounding nerve cells and can affect your brain function and also be life-threatening, depending on the location and the rate of growth.
More acts are expected to be added to the line-up and tickets, priced £22.50, are available through The Fire Station’s website – https://sunderlandculture.org.uk/events/faye-fantarrow-friends-with-the-great-northern-all-star-band/
If you would like to contribute to Faye’s fundraising campaign, go to www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/abigail-thompson-2