A local musician who spent ten months in hospital is set to make a musical comeback in his home town.
Phil Graham, who is a photographer as well as lead singer with folk rock band Man with the Stick, developed Guillain-Barre Syndrome in October 2013. He was paralysed from the neck down and confined to a wheelchair until August last year.
Following weeks of extensive physiotherapy as an outpatient at Bishop Auckland General Hospital, Mr Graham is now able to get around with crutches and resume his musical career.
“I have played guitar, mandolin and Irish bouzouki all my adult life”, said Phil. “But I have been left with limited feeling in my hands so playing instruments is out of the question for now.”
The band have appointed another guitarist and Phil is now the lead singer.
Phil will take to the stage at the Park Head Country Hotel in New Coundon in March as part of an Irish night.
“We are really pleased to see Phil making a good recovery and are delighted to host the Irish Night to hear him again, said Caroline Pedley from the hotel.
“We remember Man With The Stick when they performed here before Phil’s illness, and it is great to have them back.”
Tyneside folk duo itsAcoustica will also be performing.
The event is being held on Friday 13th March with Irish food served at 7.30pm. Entry is by ticket only, available from the hotel reception at £7.50.