A special fundraising event is due to be held on Saturday 20th September 2025 from 6.30 pm at the Speedwell Rooms, Staveley in memory of local singer-songwriter Kara Jane Spencer. Kara Jane’s wish was to raise £100,000 for The ME Association to support research into ME/CFS, and proceeds raised from the event along with sales of her two albums will be donated to the MEA.
Hosted by the Spencer family, the event will be a fundraising evening to celebrate the life and music of Kara Jane. The line-up includes Derbyshire-based women’s choir, Local Vocals, who will be performing a beautiful set of songs including a song from Kara’s first album. Additionally, Emily Louise, Kara Jane’s sister will be performing vocals from both the debut album ‘It’s Still M.E’ and the posthumous album ‘In Limbo’ which was released last month on Severe ME Day.
Tickets: £20 including food
Date: Sat 20th Sept,
Doors open 6:30pm, Starts 7:30pm
Address: Speedwell Rooms, Cemetery Lodge Inkersall Road, Staveley, S43 3JL
There will also be a raffle and an auction of Kara Jane’s paintings, along with an opportunity to purchase Kara Jane’s albums and merchandise which features her inspiring artwork.
Kara Jane, who grew up in Shirebrook and went to school in the local area, was just 16 years old when she was diagnosed with ME/CFS, a debilitating condition that left her bedbound for 7 years requiring nursing care. Kara Jane sadly passed away from severe ME/CFS aged 32 in 2023.
Kara Jane’s dream was to have a singing career, and she recorded many incredible songs from her bed, one of which topped the UK Amazon chart at number one ahead of Taylor Swift and the Killers.
David Spencer, Kara Jane’s Father, said, “We are really looking forward to bringing people from the local community, and beyond, together to celebrate the life and music of Kara Jane. Kara Jane had a passion and love for music and hosting a charity music event is a fitting tribute. Her dream was to raise £100,000 to support The ME Association in its aim to establish a post-mortem research facility for those who die with or from ME/CFS – and we are committed to help achieving this goal on her behalf. Get ready for an evening of great music and celebration!”
“It is wonderful that the Spencer family are hosting a special fundraising evening to honour the life of Kara Jane and her music legacy which has touched so many lives. The ME Association would like to express our gratitude and wish them the very best for the event. We are extremely grateful to Kara Jane’s family who continue to support our charity and generate funds for vital medical research into ME/CFS. Don’t miss out on tickets, book them today – it’s set to be a fantastic evening!” said Martine Ainsworth-Wells, trustee and campaigns director at The ME Association.
Kara Janes Albums:
In 2020 Kara Jane released her first album of songs, It's Still Me, which reached number 8 in the official UK download chart. After her passing in 2023, her family have released a second album of her songs, In Limbo, to continue raising funds for the ME Association Ramsay Research Fund and fulfil her dream of raising £100,000 for post mortem research into ME/CFS.
Further information:
Kara Jane’s new album is out today | August 8, 2025
BBC News: Kara Jane Spencer: Severely ill singer who recorded hit album dies | January 6, 2023
Kara Jane’s Musical Legacy – A new single and album will raise funds for vital research into ME! | July 27, 2020
Media Coverage:
Derbyshire Times: Staveley community fundraising evening to celebrate local singer-songwriter’s life and music | Sept 3, 2025
Mansfield & Ashfield Chad: Staveley community fundraising evening to celebrate local singer-songwriter’s life and music | Sept 3, 2025