Shayne Ward Headlines 2015 Black & Red Vasculitis Ball
Shayne Ward to Sing for Vasculitis
The X Factor winner Shayne Ward has confirmed that he will be performing at the Lauren Currie Twilight Foundation 2015 Black & Red Vasculitis Charity Ball at the Thistle Hotel, Glasgow on Friday 18 September 2015.
Since winning The X Factor in 2005, Shayne has sold over three million albums, achieved 14 platinum discs and clocked up Number One albums in nine countries. He just launched his new album, Close, which became his fourth Top 20 album. Shayne is set to perform his hit songs plus a track from his new album at the charity ball.
Shayne, 30, was born in Tameside, Greater Manchester and has toured and recorded around the world with top music producers including Ryan Tedder (OneRepublic), Cutfather (Olly Murs) and Mike Stock of Stock Aitken and Waterman (Kylie Minogue, Bananarama and Rick Astley). He is to date the most successful solo male X Factor winner.
The Lauren Currie Twilight Foundation was set up by Grant and Adrienne Currie following the death of their 15-year old daughter and only child Lauren in 2010. Lauren had suffered from Wegener’s granulomatosis, a variant of the auto-immune disease vasculitis.
Lauren’s condition was only diagnosed in the final hours of her life and her parents realised that, with earlier diagnosis, her life could have been saved.
Speaking ahead of the event, Shayne Ward said, “I am deeply touched that I have been invited to perform at the Lauren Currie Twilight Foundation annual ball.
“It’s inspiring that Lauren’s parents are driving such a positive awareness campaign in such a tragic situation. It’s a real honour to be celebrating and contributing to their great work at the Black & Red Vasculitis Charity Fundraising Ball in Glasgow.”
Lauren’s father Grant Currie said, “We want Lauren’s charity to raise the profile of vasculitis internationally, and having such an acclaimed and popular singer perform at our ball will help put us on the map. It will be great to see Shayne perform, and it will bring back many happy memories of Lauren who absolutely adored popular music.”
Vasculitis is uncommon and early diagnosis is an important factor in the effectiveness of medical care, which is why the charity focuses on public awareness of the condition as a key objective. In addition, the Foundation has given £62,000 of funding to the University of Aberdeen, which will be used to support a three-year PhD research project on vasculitis.
The Lauren Currie Twilight Foundation also aims to raise the international profile of vasculitis, and is one of only two vasculitis-specific charities operating in the UK. It is happy to collaborate with other relevant charities, including those in the US.
So what is vasculitis? Grant Currie explains, “Vasculitis refers to an inflammation of the blood vessels. It is an uncommon illness and different variations can affect people of different ages. “The cause of vasculitis is usually unknown, but it can be caused by other illnesses that cause inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory diseases of the bowel.”
Tickets for the ball are priced at £60, or £90 for premium seats. The ticket includes a champagne reception and a three-course dinner, alongside the special performance from Shayne Ward. There will also be a silent auction. The Thistle Hotel’s ballroom, where the event will be held, has capacity for around 500 people.
The Black & Red Ball has been held annually in Glasgow since 2011 and has helped to raise over £300,000 from events and donations in over three years for the Lauren Currie Twilight Foundation.
