PRESS RELEASE

5 October 2017

MUSICIAN WITH PULMONARY FIBROSIS BRINGS BANDS TOGETHER FOR FUNDRAISER GIGS

In October, York duo Mulholland are bringing some of the best musicians from both York and Hull together under the banner Tunes in Two Cities to raise funds for Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis and The Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust, two charities focussed on helping people with pulmonary fibrosis.

Well-known in York, Mulholland have a personal interest in the charities as Ann Dunford, one half of the duo, was diagnosed with IPF (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis) five years ago. The disease, which causes stiffening of the lungs and breathlessness, has no cure and is ultimately terminal. It is actually no rarer than leukaemia, but is not as well-known either by the general public or among some in the medical profession. There is relatively little treatment apart from oxygen therapy, some drugs which slow the disease and exercise. Life expectancy is around 3 – 5 years from diagnosis.

Ann had a flare up in 2016 after a bout of pneumonia and is now on oxygen 24/7 and has become a wheelchair user. However, the duo are still gigging in York and the surrounding area, with their personal interpretation of the Americana genre. Ann says, ‘Singing is good for the lungs and I am just grateful that I can keep on performing with the help of oxygen’. She continues, ‘The aim of these gigs is not only to raise funds for the charities, but also to raise awareness of this disease, which affects every part of a person’s life’.

The gigs, which are at The Basement, City Screen in York on 19th October and at Kardomah 64 in Hull on 27th October feature some highly-talented artists including Chris Helme (York only), Katy Spencer, Sam Griffiths and Bradley Blackwell, Waste of Paint and Gracie Falls (Hull only) and, of course, Mulholland themselves. ‘We are delighted to have a great line up of such stunningly good musicians and friends who have so generously given their time to support this cause. We are really looking forward to hosting the evening and are hoping for a great turnout at both venues.’, said Stan Smith.

All money raised on both nights will go to Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis and The Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust.

The gigs, which start at 8pm, will be at The Basement, City Screen, York on Thursday 19th October and at Kardomah64, Hull on Friday 27th October. Tickets can be bought direct from the venues and via this link: https://mulhollandband.com/tunes-in-two-cities-tickets.

Mulholland are Stan Smith (lead vocals, acoustic guitar) and Ann Dunford (harmony vocals, fiddle, mandolin). They bring their own take on acoustic rootsy Americana with their close harmonaies and well-crafted, bittersweet songs. Their influences reach back to the heyday of singer songwriters in the 60/70s and since forming as a duo on 2015 they have firmly established themselves as part of the York music scene. They have been busy performing regularly with gigs all over the UK and, amongst others, they have supported Cale Tyson (USA), Charlie Parr (USA) and The Hot Seats (USA). https://mulhollandband.com/

Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis (APF) was set up in 2013 by a group of patients, family members, carers and medical specialists to provide support for patients diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). The charity has experienced rapid growth during the past three years in its role as the Voice of the Patient. Its connection with patients and families remains central to the charity and the IPF patient is at the heart of everything they do. http://www.actionpulmonaryfibrosis.org

The Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust helps fibrosis patients who need essential equipment such as portable oxygen concentrators, stairlifts and mobility scooters, as well as providing a dedicated phone line for those requiring counselling or emotional support and guidance. The Trust depends on donations and on fundraising from activities such as Picnic in the Park (Goole), The Belper Games, The London Marathon, The Great North Run, and long, gruelling bike rides and hikes! The services provided are in addition to the support available in the NHS and from social care providers, and they are invaluable to many sufferers, their families and their carers affected by pulmonary fibrosis. http://www.pulmonaryfibrosistrust.org