British singer and actress Hazel O’Connor is continuing her recovery more than four years after suffering a serious brain haemorrhage while living in France.
The Coventry-born performer, now 72, has spent more than five decades in music and entertainment.
Known for songs including Eighth Day, D-Days and Will You, O’Connor has released 20 albums and continued performing and touring well into later life.
Her circumstances changed dramatically in January 2022, when she collapsed alone at her home in south-west France.
The collapse left O’Connor with lasting difficulties
O’Connor was eventually discovered after suffering what her family described at the time as a serious medical emergency.
She was taken to hospital after being diagnosed with a brain bleed and spent 24 hours in an induced coma.
Her brother Neil later described the situation as “touch and go” but said she had begun responding to treatment and stimuli.
The recovery has been lengthy. The haemorrhage affected the right side of her body and left her dealing with difficulties involving movement and speech.
Despite those challenges, O’Connor has continued working on her rehabilitation, with updates showing her taking part in regular singing sessions to help with her speech.
Friends say the singer is struggling financially
While O’Connor’s health has dominated her life since the haemorrhage, friends say she is also facing significant financial pressure.
Close friends Claire Wheeler and Danny Gerrard established a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for her ongoing care and medical expenses.
According to the fundraising appeal, O’Connor has been financially vulnerable despite her long career and international recognition.
Her friends say she has lived “hand to mouth” throughout her life and did not have savings available to support her after she became unable to work.
They also claimed that her financial position was partly linked to what they described as an “unscrupulous music industry.”
The cost of daily care remains a major concern
O’Connor still requires carers several times each day, creating a substantial recurring expense.
Her friends said the monthly cost of care has become a constant source of anxiety as she continues to recover and remains unable to return to her previous professional workload.
The fundraising campaign has received support from fans and friends, with donations recently bringing the total close to £25,000.
The appeal says money already raised has helped with medical costs and household bills, with O’Connor described as deeply appreciative of the assistance.
A career that began long before her health crisis
O’Connor’s career stretches back decades and encompasses both music and acting.
She became particularly prominent in the early 1980s, when she starred as Kate in the film Breaking Glass.
She also contributed to the movie’s soundtrack, which received a BAFTA nomination.
Her music career produced several recognised songs, while she continued recording and performing over the years.
Even as she grew older, she maintained a connection with audiences through live appearances and tours.
Singing has become part of her rehabilitation
Music remains an important part of O’Connor’s life during her recovery.
Videos and updates shared through her fundraising campaign and social media have shown her participating in singalongs as part of her speech rehabilitation.
For an artist whose career has been built around performing, singing has provided both a familiar activity and a practical component of her rehabilitation.
Friends and fellow performers rallied around her
Following the 2022 medical emergency, O’Connor received messages of support from fellow musicians and performers.
Among those offering encouragement was Toyah Willcox, who publicly expressed her affection and support for her friend after learning about the hospitalisation.
O’Connor and Willcox had been due to tour together several months after the incident, but the brain bleed dramatically changed those plans.
O’Connor’s life and career remain closely tied to Coventry
Although O’Connor now lives permanently in France, her connection with Coventry remains strong.
The singer received a star on Coventry’s Walk of Fame in 2010 and later performed during the city’s year as UK City of Culture.
Her contribution to the city and British popular culture was also celebrated through an exhibition that opened in Coventry in February, showcasing her life and career as a singer, songwriter and actress.
A long road ahead
O’Connor’s recovery has been marked by gradual progress, but her need for daily care means that significant challenges remain.
Her friends are continuing to appeal for financial support as she adjusts to life after the brain haemorrhage.
The campaign has already attracted thousands of pounds, but the ongoing nature of her care means expenses are unlikely to disappear quickly.
For fans who have followed O’Connor’s work for decades, the fundraising effort offers an opportunity to support an artist whose career has spanned generations.
What’s next for Hazel O’Connor?
O’Connor is expected to continue focusing on rehabilitation while receiving the daily assistance she requires.
Her progress with speech therapy and singing exercises remains an encouraging part of her recovery, while supporters hope continued donations will help ease the financial burden of her care.
Summary
Hazel O’Connor, the acclaimed singer and actress behind songs including Will You and Eighth Day, has faced a difficult recovery since suffering a brain bleed at her French home in 2022.
The medical emergency left her with movement and speech difficulties and prevented her from returning to work.
Friends say she now needs carers three times a day and has little financial cushion despite her decades-long career.
A fundraising campaign has raised nearly £25,000, helping with medical expenses and bills as O’Connor continues her rehabilitation and remains supported by friends, fans and fellow performers.
