AN award-winning guitarist and singer has cancelled his European tour dates on "doctor's orders".
Laurence Jones, who has been dubbed the heir to Eric Clapton by none other than blues legend Buddy Guy, lives with Crohn's disease and, in a candid video, told fans a flare up has forced him to take time off stage.
Sharing his news on Instagram, he said: "I am devastated to announce I have had some test results back for my Crohn's disease that mean I am unable to travel outside of the UK.
"The stress on my body from the long journeys and travelling has taken its toll on my body. My specialist has asked I stay in England in case I need emergency treatment/surgery.
"My Crohn's is so severely inflamed I need to be in constant contact with my specialist and amazing IBD team at St Thomas' Hospital London.
"I'm so sad I won't be able to perform in The Netherlands & Germany this year. I will be back fighting fit and can't wait to see you all again on the road.
"Thank you for all your support and understanding. It's what's helped me through this really difficult and challenging time in my life. Love LJ."
Laurence, whose guitar hero is Irish six-string wizard Rory Gallagher, has his own line with Fender.
He recently got to hang out with The Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr and they bonded over their mutual admiration for Gallagher.
Around the same time, he was forced to cancel a show in Ireland celebrating his musical idol as he struggled with a flare-up.
However, he is eyeing a return to the stage in October for a run of UK shows beginning in Basingstoke on the 4th.
Despite his struggles, Laurence has had memorable gigs this year, calling one May show in the Netherlands one of the best of his career.
Unfortunately, the highs have been counterbalanced by lows, with the musician saying this year has been "the most challenging year of my life".
He added: "My plan is to have a healthy balance in life with work, food and happiness! I can start to slowly put some weight back on with my infusion and get stronger."
What is Crohn's disease?
CROHN's disease is a lifelong condition where parts of the digestive system become inflamed.
It is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) which, along with ulcerative colitis, affects almost half a million people in the UK.
Symptoms usually start in childhood, but the disease affects people of all ages. These include:
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach aches and cramps
- Blood in your poo
- Tiredness (fatigue)
- Weight loss
There is no cure, but treatment can help reduce or control symptoms.
Some people take medication to lessen inflammation in the digestive system, while others might have surgery to remove a small area.
The exact cause is unknown, but genes, problems with your immune system, smoking, stomach bugs and gut bacteria imbalances are believed to play a part.
Source: NHS
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