Supporting Hazel O'Connor's recovery fund
- pip
- Jun 20, 2024
- 2 min read
In June 2024 I was really pleased to be commissioned to paint a portrait of the amazing Hazel O'Connor with an image taken from one of my favourite 80's movies 'Breaking Glass'.
Given that Hazel has been sadly recovering from a brain haemorrhage suffered in 2022 I am donating half of all profits made on sales of canvas prints to Hazel's recovery fund. It is the least I can do and a small token of my appreciation to someone who has brought much joy with her music over the years.
Hazel O'Connor
Hazel Thereasa O'Connor (born 16 May 1954) is a British singer-songwriter and actress. She became famous in the early 1980s with hit singles "Eighth Day", "D-Days" and "Will You?" She also starred in the 1980 film Breaking Glass. Find out more about Hazel's life and career on her Wikipedia page.
Breaking Glass
Breaking Glass is a 1980 British film starring Hazel O'Connor, Phil Daniels and Jonathan Pryce. It was co-produced by Dodi Fayed and written and directed by Brian Gibson, his feature film debut. The film was screened out of competition at the 1980 Cannes Film Festival.
The soundtrack album, featuring songs performed by O'Connor, reached number 5 in the UK and was certified Gold by the British Phonographic Industry. Two singles, "Eighth Day" and "Will You", both reached the UK Top 10. Find out more about the film here.
Recovery Fund
Unfortunately, in January 2022 Hazel fell ill at her house in the South of France. She suffered a bleed on the brain whilst home alone with her two dogs, Lolly and Diva. Hazel could not raise the alarm and it was some time before she was discovered and rushed to hospital. Hazel was very seriously ill, and the bleed affected the right-hand side of body causing movement and speech difficulties. Hazel is a real fighter, and she has spent the last three years battling in her recovery. Money has already been raised to help cover medical expenses and bills and Hazel is eternally grateful. Despite her fame, Hazel has lived hand to mouth all her life and had no savings. She has been unable to work since the bleed.
Hazel still requires carers three times a day and the considerable monthly bill is a constant worry for Hazel. This fundraiser has been set up by Claire Wheeler and Danny Gerrard to give Hazel financial support to pay for her care bill and provide her with an income to make her life a little more comfortable so she can continue to work on her recovery with as few worries as possible.
Please help them to give something back to Hazel after all she has given to others over the years. If you would like to support, you can donate to the fund raising page here.
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