Second album released after death of singer with ME

Kara Jane Spencer recorded music to support the search for a cure for ME

A singer who died a year and a half ago is about to release a new album.

Kara Jane Spencer, from Derbyshire, had a severe form of ME, which left her unable to walk, and she died in January 2023, aged 32.

But before her death, a team of more than 100 musicians and producers helped record and release an album, It's Still ME, in 2020.

A second collection of the Shirebrook resident's work is being released on Friday to celebrate her legacy and promote Severe ME Day.

ME, or myalgic encephalomyelitis, is described by the NHS as a long-term illness with a wide range of symptoms.

Ms Spencer had been diagnosed with a severe form of the condition since falling ill as a 16-year-old.

She had been bedbound for seven years and required full-time nursing care.

Ms Spencer was unable to perform her songs in full, but had instead recorded vocal tracks line-by-line.

Scores of musicians helped Ms Spencer to record her songs

Upon its release, her debut album climbed the iTunes and Amazon charts and also led to a phone conversation with country legend Dolly Parton.

The new album also includes two tracks recorded by Ms Spencer's younger sister Emily Louise.

In Limbo, which has taken three years to create, will support The ME Association, which Ms Spencer had wanted to raise £100,000 for to establish a post-mortem research facility for people who die with ME.

Ms Spencer's family are continuing her goal to raise £100,000 for The ME Association

Her father David Spencer said: "Kara embraced life with love, generosity and endless determination.

"She fiercely advocated for awareness, wanting to make the world understand just how serious the illness can be, and we are continuing her work."

A launch event is planned for the album at the Speedwell Rooms, Staveley, on 20 September.

Dr Charles Shepherd, medical advisor at The ME Association, thanked Ms Spencer's family for their "continued support", and the money raised will help "vital research" into "an illness which has a devastating impact on all aspects of people's lives".