Dying country singer records last album with husband

A terminally ill country singer is to head into the studio with her husband for the last time to record her final album.

Singer Jackie Storrar with her husband Steve Thiebault

Jackie Storrar, 49, will be able to lay down her favourite tracks with husband Steve, who is also a vocalist, after a friend launched a fundraising campaign to help her fulfil one of her final wishes.

Ms Storrar, who has terminal cancer, has enjoyed a long career as a singer and broadcaster and was inducted into the British Country Music Hall of fame in October.

She says the “time is now” to record the album. which she predicts will be one of the most emotional experiences of her life.

Ms Storrar was diagnosed with incurable cancer in December 2013. She had already beaten the disease once

Ms Storrar, of Kirkcaldy, said: “I think it will be more emotional that you thin. there is a lot of emotion to come out of me

“These past couple of years, I have had to put my career to the side as I have just been so busy on staying alive.

“I’ve not really dealt with what is happening to me. I think when I go into the studio and realise that this is something I have loved but something I can’t have any more, I think there will be a resurgence in emotion.

“I think I will sing these songs with more love and empathy than I have done ever before in my life.”

Jackie was inducted into the British Country Music Hall of Fame in October having been a life long ambassador for the country music scene

More than £1,500 has been raised after friend Stuart Prentice launched a crowdfunding campaign with Mr Prentice holding his own fundraising night for the album.

It is now almost certain that the project can go ahead given the level of support shown but it is hoped that more money can still be raised.

Ms Storrar said she had been overwhelmed by the support, which has included generous donations being pushed through her letterbox.

All money raised from the album will be donated to Maggie’s Centre in Fife, which she described as an “enormous support” to her and her husband.

Ms Storrar was diagnosed with incurable cancer in December 2013. She had already beaten the disease once

Ms Storrar has been given around a month before she has to start her next round of chemotherapy and hopes to head into studio while she makes the most of her time away from hospital.

She said: “Me and Steve have had a great time together and we wanted to lay down some memories and put down songs that have meant so much to me, to us and the audience.

“It we could give something back to Maggie’s from the sales of the album, it would be a wonderful thing.

“It’s a legacy thing. We can’t get away from the prognosis. The time is now, time is of the essence. We could not it next year. But next year might not happen.”

Jackie was inducted into the British Country Music Hall of Fame in October having been a life long ambassador for the country music scene

Ms Storrar was first diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2010 aged just 43. After getting the all clear, she learned it had returned in December 2013 - just as her and Steve were due to head to the Caribbean for a five-month working cruise.

The disease has now spread, with further chemotherapy only able to shrink the tumour, rather than kill it off.

Ms Storrar said: “You get over cancer and you think you are just one of the lucky ones. After two years clear, the doctors are generally happy and you are getting on with your life.

“Being diagnosed first time round is devastating for anyone but when they say you have it for a second time and its incurable, its unbearable. Some of the hope goes and you feel lost.

“But you can’t give up, and now its about making memories - and squeezing out of life as much joy as you possibly can.”

To support the project, visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/jackies-dream