Pop star Faye Fantarrow dead aged 21 after rare brain tumour diagnosis

01 September 2023 , 19:11

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Pop star Faye Fantarrow dead aged 21 after rare brain tumour diagnosis (Image: fayefantarrow/Instagram)

Musician Faye Fantarrow has died at the age of 21, her mother has announced.

The Sunderland singer was diagnosed with an aggressive glioma brain tumour last year. Glioma is a type of tumour that happens in the brain and spinal cord. Gliomas start in the gluey supportive cells that surround nerve cells and help them function. Announcing the tragic news of her death, her family said they were "broken and desolate."

Her family called her "the brightest star on the darkest night" with a "passion for living", adding: "Faye had wisdom, compassion and understanding beyond her years. She loved fiercely, laughed easily and lived gregariously."

Faye was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour last year (fayefantarrow/Instagram)

Her family announced her death in a statement (fayefantarrow/Instagram)

The singer beat leukaemia twice when she was aged 8 and 13.

Faye was mentored by Eurythmics legend Dave Stewart and was signed to his Bay Street Records label two years ago. They were also working on her debut album together last summer.

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"I can't put into words how devastated I was when, just after spending an amazing creative time with Faye last summer making her debut album, Faye found out she had this very aggressive brain tumour," Dave's statement read.

"Faye was a joy to be around, full of fun, laughter and sharp as a razor — a true artist in every sense. Being with her and watching her at work is a diamond stuck in my head, moments I will never forget.

Faye was mentored by Eurythmics' Dave Stewart

"I'm lucky to have met Faye and her Mum Pam, two humans together battling against all odds for Faye's survival. It has been both traumatic and beautiful to witness their strength and dignity, and I am so sorry the world only got to witness Faye's genius for such a short time. She is one of the true greats, a northern girl on fire with her lyrics and melodies. I loved her deeply." Last year, Faye shared a GoFundMe page to raise money for a clinical trial in California, USA, and she needed £450,000 to be able to take part in the cell trial.

At the time, her mentor Dave pledged £50,000 while his former bandmate Annie Lennox also donated £10,000 to the cause. She was able to travel to California for the initial cell retrieval and even went on to release her AWOL EP. However, her condition worsened in recent months. Faye played The Mouth at the Tyne Festival, Stockton Calling and was booked to play Lindisfarne Festival.

Zara Woodcock