Lewis Capaldi offered kind-hearted advice to a 10-year-old boy from West Lothian who also suffers from Tourette's.
Mum Debbie Harkness, from Murieston, Livingston, attended Lewis Capaldi’s intimate concert at the O2 Academy on May 23 following the release of his second album, Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent.
As a huge Lewis Capaldi fan, Debbie was ‘determined’ to make it to the gig after getting her hands on a ticket. She admitted she wasn’t sure if she was going to make it due to severe anxiety, but she said it was worth it for her and her son Danny, who, like Lewis, has Tourette's.
During the intimate concert of about 900 people, Lewis held a Q&A where his loyal fans were able to quiz him on whatever they liked. Debbie knew this was her moment to ask the question she always wanted.
“I told him that my 10-year-old son has Tourette's 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 replied: “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 added: “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 concert, 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 Tourette's 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’.
Speaking about the anxiety she was feeling before the show, Debbie explained: “I stay home most of the time. My son Danny has Tourette's, 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 praised her and Lewis Capaldi.
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