They say don’t meet your heroes but I’ve had the privilege to work with Ashley Beedle and his wife Jo Wallace on a number of occasions over the years and it was one — a privilege. Ashley was actually on the cover of the first issue after we transitioned 5 Mag to digital only. There have been mixes, more interviews, more podcasts — and I cannot remember a single time when we were pushed back. It can be surprisingly rare to find someone who still relishes a deep love of music and everything about it decades into their career and still talks about a new record like it’s their first. Ashley is that person. If you’re lost and looking for someone, go find Ashley Beedle.
After a series of health setbacks, Ashley’s friends and family have organized a GoFundMe campaign for urgent help and ongoing care after a series of awful health crises.
Via Sarah Foote and with the sign-off from Ashley and his family:
The tone here is one of resolve and determination amidst a staggering number of issues in a row, which matches what I’ve heard of the person and makes me admire Ashley even more.
Doctors have given a diagnosis that “Ashley’s mobility won’t return to his right side and he will be confined to a wheelchair requiring full time carers for the majority of his activities including bathing and getting in and out of bed. Ashley and his family are now facing the reality of not just the physical and medical challenges, but also the many financial ones, having used all their savings to get to this stage.”
The fundraiser is located here. Donations will go toward providing Ashley with “a secure and comfortable future with access to private physio treatment, wheelchair friendly furniture, and a hospital bed for home use, etc.”
“Ashley wants you to know that he is a survivor and not a victim and he says ‘thank you’ to all of you who contribute towards the fund.”
