NI singer/songwriter Chloe Scammell finds silver lining in coronavirus lockdown

A singer-songwriter from Northern Ireland whose music has been inspired by her “debilitating” medical condition has told how the coronavirus lockdown has made life easier.
By The Newsroom
Published 14th Jun 2020, 16:33 BST
Chloe Scammell has used her multiple sclerosis as inpiration for her musical careerChloe Scammell has used her multiple sclerosis as inpiration for her musical career
Chloe Scammell has used her multiple sclerosis as inpiration for her musical career

Chloe Scammell, 32,has performed with her band ‘Calico Fox’ at events including Belfast Pride and Culture Night.

She has the neurological condition multiple sclerosis (MS) and said the move to online life made socialising easier.

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Ms Scammell said: “A lot of people with MS are more aware of their limitations but at the same time it is nice in a sense that there are more facilities available to people with disabilities, to people in their homes, because everything is going online and events are not happening in person.

“It makes things more accessible.

“I had a friend’s birthday shower online, which was interesting having to do things so differently but at the same time it has been nice in a way.”

Among the symptoms of MS, a chronic and progressive condition, are fatigue, which she has described as ‘debilitating’.

Ms Scammell added: “Going out and meeting people and doing a lot can make that a lot worse so the new way of life has made things a bit easier.”

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Too much stress can also trigger flare-ups of the condition in sufferers and cause damage.

She said: “If you are fairly introverted, it can be stressful trying to keep up with people and being expected to be places.

“When you have no other choice but to stay at home, you appreciate that chance to stay home and being able to relax and do things on your own schedule.”

Ms Scammell said one thing she did miss during lockdown was visiting her father in Enniskillen.

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She has a dog walking company but packed up in the middle of March just before the lockdown restrictions came into place due to her personal worries about contracting coronavirus.

Ms Scammell said she always tries to avoid catching the common cold and any flu bugs because of the potential dangers it can pose to someone with her condition.

Her band has just released its debut album and the first song she wrote was about her experience with MS. She said the band had gigs lined up and an album launch party had been planned for March.

Ms Scammell is still writing new material but Culture Night and summer festivals have been cancelled for now.

She said: “Hopefully things will come back bigger and better in the future.”

More information about the MS Trust can be found at www.mstrust.org.uk.

Related topics:Northern IrelandEnniskillen