Lewis Capaldi gave heartfelt advice to a 10-year-old fan who also suffers from Tourettes at his Edinburgh concert.
Mum Debbie Harkness Murieston, from Livingston, attended the intimate gig at O2 Academy on May 23, following the release of the musician's second album, Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent. Debbie, who is a huge fan of the West Lothian performer, said she wasn't sure she would be able to make the show due to severe anxiety, but was 'determined' to overcome her fears after getting her hands on a ticket.
During the show, Lewis held a Q&A to give concertgoers the chance to ask him their burning questions, Seizing her opportunity, Debbie asked the Someone You Loved singer about his experience with Tourettes for her son Danny, who also has the condition.
Speaking to Edinburgh Live, Debbie said: "I told him that my 10-year-old son has Tourettes and mental health issues and if he has any advice for him to help him get through life. It was a question I've been dying to ask him for so long and this was face-to-face, I was right at the front of the crowd."
Lewis responded: "My heart goes out to your son, it really does. It's a difficult question to answer because whatever is best for Danny, is the best for him. For me, what's helped is going to therapy - I don't think Danny is losing a lot at 10 years old, but I think it helps. And getting outside. I like to sit in my room with the blinds drawn so getting outside is a big thing.
"For Tourettes, the more I read about it, the worst it got. Just accepting that I have it, it's easier said than done, but I have to power through it."
Debbie continued: "He was so humble and genuine about how hard it is. He asked what my son's name was and then he said, 'Danny, I wish him all the best'. Lewis also said how being outside helps him too."
"My question was filmed and I can't explain how much it means to me to be able to share with him what Lewis' answer was. After Danny saw that, he now really wants to meet him!"
Speaking about the gig, she said: "It was amazing. I've been trying so hard to see Lewis and I couldn't believe it when I got the ticket. The crowd was fantastic and the atmosphere was brilliant, it was just like we were one big massive family. It wasn't a rowdy crowd and when he spoke to the audience, everyone was quiet and gave him the respect he deserves.
"I'm a big fan! I love all kinds of music but I think with his Tourettes and mental health, and I saw videos of him performing on stage and having his tic attacks, I just understood what he was going through.
"Seeing the struggles Danny goes through every day and then seeing someone like Lewis go through it, I think that's where the passion for him came from.
"Danny asks me 'What can I be when I get older', and I tell him, 'Look at Lewis Capaldi, you can be whoever you want to be'.
Opening up about her own anxiety, Debbie explained: "I stay home most of the time. My son Danny has Tourettes, ADHD, and autism, so I home-school him full-time. But I've always wanted to see Lewis Capaldi and this was the first time I had ever managed to get a ticket so I was determined to go."
"I wasn't doing this just for me, I was doing this for Danny and he keeps me going and really gave me that final push to get out and get it done. I don't think Lewis knows just how much of an impact he has on people."
Debbie went on to share her story on social media, where many fans applauded both her and Lewis Capaldi.
"That's amazing, well done!" One replied, while another said: "Love it well, done you!"
A third commented: "Wow! That's awesome!"
Get the latest celebrity gossip and telly news sent straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily Showbiz newsletter here.
