Music To Sit on The Sidelines To

5 Minute Read

Art & Culture

Written by Sharon Andrews

Sharon interviews longstanding Ransom Note contributor and friend Victoria ‘Drama’ Saunders ahead of a special fundraiser in her name after a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. On the 3rd of December London’s club scene comes together for ‘Dance For Drama’, an event to drive the fundraiser to raise 60K for Victoria to get some pioneering, life-changing, stem cell treatment in a state of the art clinic in Mexico.

In the time I’ve known Victoria Saunders, she’s made me laugh, she’s made me cry, she’s made my hair look stush. ‘Drama’ to her friends, she has been crafting the curls and snipping the ends of most of the DJs in London for 20 years. Born and bred in the epi centre of our cities’ vibrant club culture, we’ve spent a lot of time on dance floors, and far too long in toilets giggling and taking the piss out of blokes.

The Hair Mistress has held court in the salons of Soho, and it wasn’t just a haircut you popped for. The music was always point, and the banter was even sharper than her scissors.

Drama has been curating the ‘Music To Cut Hair To’ column on Ransom Note for some time now, and just two short years ago, this shimmering star was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Since then, her life has changed ‘dramatically’ with a capital D.

On the 3rd of December London’s club scene comes together for ‘Dance For Drama’, an event to drive the fundraiser to raise 60K for Victoria to get some pioneering, life-changing, stem cell treatment in a state of the art clinic in Mexico.

Where are you this moment Drama and how are you spending the day?

I’m at home in Earls Court. I spend pretty much every day managing this condition and its restrictions on my life.

How much has life changed?

Everything has changed. I still can’t get my head round it. I never thought about my ability before.

What has been the hardest part for you?

Not being able to walk has been the hardest part.

What is MS exactly?

Multiple Sclerosis essentially, is your body attacking itself. It affects the brain and nerves.

What are the daily challenges you face?

Seeing, walking, no driving, slurred voice, standing, falling over, prepping for the smallest tasks as my fatigue is off the charts.

What is the prognosis of this disease without treatment?

Having HSCT should put the disease into remission, without it, I’m facing a future that is hard work, probably a wheelchair, loss of my independence.

How have you been passing the days?

I read books and listen to podcasts. I haven’t been able to listen to music, not sure if it is the wrong PH balance or a trigger of a much- missed previous life.

What do you miss most about your life?

EVERYTHING.

What is your next step in your war on MS?

I’ve spent the last two years surrounding myself with other MS sufferers. It has changed my view on life with a chronic illness. It’s hard work making yourself heard and it’s very expensive. Somethings can help you to manage but there is no cure. MS is totally individual to each person.

When are you going to Mexico and what will happen while you’re there?

I leave on the 6th of January. I spend a month in hospital receiving the stem cell treatment. I will return to the UK one month later to isolate for 2-3 months to give my immunity time to grow again.

Haematopoietic Stem cell transplantation is a chemotherapy treatment for MS that aims to reset the immune system by wiping it out and regrowing it, using the patients own stem cells. The idea is that it stops the immune system from attacking the protective layer around the nerves.

What do you hope to happen after the treatment?

After seeing the fantastic results, I hope to walk again unaided. Let’s start small.

Tell us a bit about the funds you need to raise?

I need to raise £60k. I’ve had to borrow the money. Not something I am comfortable with, but this will be my last stab at ‘life’.

The surgery is quite major. If you want to understand more watch ‘Discovering Selma’ documentary.

Tell us about the fundraiser?

3rd December is the day for Dance for Drama at the Star of Liverpool St. My Fundraising Team have held my hand as being centre of attention is the furthest thing for my mind at the moment.

Who is on the line up?

Justin Robertson, Sophie Lloyd, Terry Farley, Dani Moore (Crazy P) Heidi, PBR Streetgang, Nancy Noise, Steve Lee, Lisa Loud, Stu Patterson, Tayo, Simon & Antony – Phonica. Dave Jarvis, Orin Afronaut, Andy Taylor and the Size Doesn’t Matter Crew, the list goes on and is epic. Not forgetting one of my chief Fundraisers Dave Harvey who has a special place in my heart.

What can we do to help?

Dig deep if you can. Every little counts. We have some really great things coming, a raffle, an art auction, the disco. Debbie Smith has offered to take over a karaoke room and you can pay her to get off…. Ha!

There is also a raffle so if anyone has anything to throw into the tombola, please contact Rob Star rob@electricstarpubs.co.uk

What’s your message others with MS?

Thank you for welcoming me with open arms. I was told I am part of a gang that I didn’t want to be part of. I am never going to offer any advice, as I know too well how awkward that be sometimes. But know I will never let go of your hand, and I will always have time for you. I have met some truly inspirational people.

What keeps you fighting?

The strength that I already have. I never fully acknowledged it before. My closest friends for picking me up when I am down. Family. And Benny.

Please visit the Crowdfunder HERE.

Below is a collection of music curated by Drama: