2nd January 2023

Dear friends.  We are heartbroken to tell you that Kara passed away this evening.  She was at home, with her family by her side. 

We know that this news will come as an enormous shock to everyone, as it has to all of us.  Although we were aware that Kara’s life expectancy was likely to be limited, it was hard to believe that this day would come.  She had rallied from so many crises that it often seemed she might defy her prognosis.  

In the end her body was too frail to survive. Her spirit remained strong till the last, and she faced the end with the same incredible courage that she showed throughout her illness. 

Kara was a very special young woman who embraced life with love, generosity and endless determination.  To know her was to know a unique human being, whose spirit never wavered despite the most tremendous suffering. 

Kara’s greatest wish was that her life should not be wasted and her death not in vain.  The album that she released in the summer of 2020, painstakingly recorded from her bed, is a legacy that will live on forever.  So great was its success that for several days in August 2020 she outsold Taylor Swift on Amazon and iTunes.  Kara had a phone call with Dolly Parton, and was invited to appear on top tv shows such as Steph’s Packed Lunch and Britain’s Got Talent.  (Though sadly was too ill to accept.) These are astonishing achievements for someone completely confined to their bed. 

Kara’s dream was to raise £100,000 to establish a post-mortem facility for research into the most severe cases of ME.  Her passion, determination and beautiful music have ensured that this dream will live on.  All proceeds from her album will continue to go to the fund she set up, and donations in her memory can be made here. 

We know that Kara would want special mention to be made of the incredible team of musicians and producers, lead by Liam Hicks, whose hard work and generosity made her dream come true.  At the time of her death they were helping Kara produce her second album.

Our thoughts are with Kara’s family, who have faced her illness and death with the most extraordinary courage.  They have a strong Christian faith and would value your prayers at this time. 

At this time of devastation for all who knew and loved Kara, we remember the lyrics from her song, Baby Breathe:

For I will hide in your heart, I’ll reside in your skin.  I will live every time that you breathe. 

Kara, you were (and always will be) amazing.  

We love you x

Hi everyone

I’m Kara Jane, a singer songwriter from the UK, with a special dream: to raise £100,000 for medical research.  I’m about to release my first album, the entire proceeds of which will go towards research into severe ME, an illness which has had a devastating effect on my life.

My album, It's Still M.E, is out now! It's available on all major platforms.  Download here:https://lnk.to/KaraJane

Please visit my website www.karajanesings.com to find out more.

This page is for anyone wishing to make an additional donation after purchasing my album.

** UK taxpayers: please, please don't forget to tick the Gift Aid box when you donate.  This increases the value of your donation by 25%, at no additional cost to you.**

A bit more about me…

I was diagnosed with ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis) after suddenly losing the ability to walk at 16.  Until then I was healthy and active – “loud, crazy and always laughing”, in the words of my sister.  My condition steadily deteriorated, until seven years ago I became completely bedridden.  

Every day I’m in agonising pain.  I need oxygen to help me breathe and require constant nursing care.  I’m frequently admitted to hospital with serious infections, and a few years ago doctors warned me that my life expectancy could be very limited. 

From this place of suffering and despair, my album was born.  

My aim

I want to raise £100,000 to support the ME Association in their aim of establishing a post-mortem research facility for those who die with or from ME.    

The money raised will go to the ME Association’s Ramsay Research Fund, where it will be ring fenced with no salaries or admin costs taken out.  

If I can raise £100,000, it will enable the MEA to take the early steps towards establishing this vital facility. 

This project is particularly important to me as my close friend, Merryn Crofts, died of severe ME three years ago, aged 21.

Thank you so much for your support.  

Please follow me on my website and social media to receive updates on the album!