Folk talent to play benefit gig

Kelly Oliver is to play Spilsby Theatre, in Church Street, on Saturday, as part of her UK tour to promote her highly acclaimed second album Bedlam.

The album has already received several plays on BBC Radio 2 and station presenter Bob Harris has described her as ‘an emerging voice in British folk music’.

The event has been organised with the help of Alford woman Debbie Mawer in an effort to raise awareness of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS).

EDS is a genetic disorder which results in abnormally fragile and hyper-extensible tissues throughout the body. This can lead to physical disability and in some of the rarer types it is life-limiting.

Debbie Mawer and her son both have hybermobility Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which causes among other things loose and unstable joints, dislocations and fatigue.

She said: “I have it easy. I can work, I can enjoy life. Some people need wheelchairs, body braces and are on first name basis with ambulance drivers and A&E staff.

“It’s frustrating for both patient and doctor, as every person suffers differently.

“There is no cure, only treatment for the problems it presents. I want to raise awareness as its not a well-known condition, we need better support and care, from both our family and friends and the professionals.”

As well has raising awareness, the event will also help to raise funds for Ehlers-Danlos Support UK, which helps support people with EDS and help fund research into the condition.

Kelly Oliver’s debut album This Land was released in 2014 and won rave reviews from such publications as The Telegraph.

Over the last 18 months, she has toured extensively across the UK.

As well as her own headline shows, she has supported such major names as Thea Gilmore, Cara Dillon, and Barbara Dixon.

This gig will be Kelly’s first ever in Lincolnshire.

She said: “I’m really looking forward to playing my first ever gig in Lincolnshire at Spilsby Theatre and I’m delighted that this event will also help raise awareness of Ehlers-Danlos sydrome.”

Support for this event comes from Nottinghamshire based singer-songwriter E.R.Thorpe and young Spilsby singer Shauna.

Doors open at 7.30pm.

Tickets are priced at £10.

Enquiries: 01790 752936.

If you are in need of support or have questions about EDS, Ehlers-Danlos Support UK run a freephone helpline (0800 907 8518) and their website (www.ehlers-danlos.org) contains information about the condition and services the charity provide.