Fibromyalgia Support Group for Surrey and Sussex

Fibro-my-what?
Emily's Music Gig

This article comes from Emily Newell, daughter of one of our members; the photos were by Chris Holister

About 10 years ago, when I was only 7 and my sisters were 10 and 13, our mother got diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Ever since then my mother has strived to try and disguise her symptoms in an attempt to ease our anxiety about the situation. However in late January of this year her health began to deteriorate, her symptoms became harder and harder to live with. Thus, within the space of less than a year she lost her favoured career and very nearly her ability to walk. Now restricted to the confines of her own home and her wheelchair she struggles to live life as normally as any women her age can.

This was my motivation, when in late June I and a close friend of mine, Hannah Wood, decided to organise a live music concert. When putting the idea across to my mother she suggested doing it for the Fibromyalgia Support Group for Surrey and Sussex. Hannah and I both agreed that this was a good idea and so we contacted a local venue (Ypod, in Woking) and arranged a date - 22nd October 2006. We then contacted some well supported local bands in order to pull a large crowd.

The evening started with a bang, with local small-time legend Cookie singing his heart out with such enthusiasm; he was followed by a parade of local heroes taking to the stage and dominating the crowd into a frenzy of high spirits.

The event ended in a lively manner, and the over-all out come was a complete success! Raising much needed awareness and funds for the charity, was our aim and after lots of hard work we managed to achieve our goal.

The event raised about £400. Very well done, Emily, Thank you.