Tributes have been paid to a woman who died after suffering with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Kara Jane Spencer, who was an Edge Hill student, fell ill with a severe form of myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) 15 years ago. This left Kara unable to walk and needing around the clock care.
Her loved ones announced on her website that the 32-year-old, from Derbyshire, died on Monday, January 2 surrounded by family. Despite having ME symptoms while at university she went on to graduate in 2012 and perused a career in the arts. In 2020 she topped the charts with her hit album, It’s Still ME, created to raise funds for the ME Association.
READ MORE: Man who thought he had a bug was days away from organ failure
Those who knew Kara from Edge Hill University described the disability advocate as a "warrior".
Kara’s Personal Tutor and Programme Leader for Drama Emma Heron said: “Kara arrived a warrior, determined to get the most out of every opportunity the university could offer. Despite significant health challenges that worsened over her three years of undergraduate study Kara went on to graduate with a 2:1.
“During the pandemic, as only Kara could, she successfully drew together a team of musicians to help her to record an album which climbed the charts. She was an amazing person, and all of our hearts go out to her and her family.”
In early 2020 Kara issued an appeal for musicians and producers to help her complete her first album. More than 100 people offered to help the 32-year-old and she released her nine-track album It’s Still ME later that year.
Kara described her time at Edge Hill as “the best years of my life” and during her studies she worked with the Students’ Union and University’s Inclusion Team to improve life for disabled students. In her second year, she was awarded the Reverend Jesse Jackson Scholarship for students who have overcome disability or disadvantage to get into higher education.
ME, or myalgic encephalomyelitis, is described by the NHS as a long-term illness with a wide range of symptoms. After falling ill 15 years ago, Ms Spencer was warned by doctors her symptoms were so severe, it could shorten her life expectancy.
Vice-Chancellor Dr John Cater of Edge Hill University said: “Kara’s determination to succeed and help others is an inspiration to us all. Despite her health problems she accomplished so much in life and her work to improve conditions for other disabled students has left a lasting legacy at the University.
“As a tribute to her life and achievements the University will be lighting up the main building in her memory and will be playing her album across campus on the day of her funeral.”
Part of the statement issued by Kara's family said: "Although we were aware that Kara’s life expectancy was likely to be limited, it was hard to believe that this day would come. She had rallied from so many crises that it often seemed she might defy her prognosis.
"In the end her body was too frail to survive. Her spirit remained strong till the last, and she faced the end with the same incredible courage that she showed throughout her illness.
"Kara was a very special young woman who embraced life with love, generosity and endless determination. To know her was to know a unique human being, whose spirit never wavered despite the most tremendous suffering.
"Kara’s greatest wish was that her life should not be wasted and her death not in vain. The album that she released in the summer of 2020, painstakingly recorded from her bed, is a legacy that will live on forever."
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
Read next:
Peter Kay fans divided after 'heckler' halts M&S Bank Arena show
40 photos of life in 1950s Liverpool from the Adelphi to Blacklers
People with these surnames in Merseyside could be heirs to fortunes
A&E doctors: 'This isn't healthcare, it's a lottery whether you will survive'
