GoFundMe launched for Ashley Beedle amidst major health complications

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched for legendary house DJ and producer Ashley Beedle following major health complications that have left him in a wheelchair.

Having battled with stage four prostate cancer for four years, Beedle endured a traumatic incident in November 2023, when he suffered a brain bleed and a seizure due to the rupture of a brain mass.

He subsequently underwent a 16-hour operation, during which he had a stroke that caused him to lose movement in his right leg and arm, as well losing as the ability to talk.

Beedle has been recovering ever since, first at King's College’s Critical Care unit, and more recently in a residential rehab centre.

Despite the tragic circumstances, Beedle’s family say he has remained stoic, proving himself to be a "fighter” who has "surmounted all odds with an incredible sense of humour and determination that has impressed everyone involved".

Beedle is currently living in a nursing home with his wife, Jo Wallace, until suitable assisted living accommodation becomes available via the local council housing list.

Thanks to the care and support of the NHS workers, Ashley’s speech is slowly returning, but sadly mobility to his right side will not return, and Beedle will remain in a wheelchair requiring full-time carers to help with everyday needs such as bathing and getting out of bed.

His family have expressed how the financial burden has already been enormous, having spent all of their savings on treatment. They're now asking for donations via a GoFundMe campaign to help ensure Beedle has a comfortable future, with access to physio treatment, wheelchair-friendly furniture, a hospital bed for home use, and more.

As it stands, Beedle's family have already raised more than £40,000 of a £50,000 target.

With a 35-year career in dance music, Beedle has inspired many through his wide-ranging productions. Described as one of the ‘Teachers’ in Daft Punk’s 1997 track of the same name, the British producer came up through the acid house era, releasing hits such as ‘Where Were You?, ‘Strong’, and ‘New Jersey Deep’ as one-third of the group Black Science Orchestra.

From there, he formed another band, The Ballistic Brothers with Dave Hill, Uschi Classen, and Rocky & Diesel, releasing several acclaimed albums fusing jazz with dance music.

In 2002, X-Press 2, a group founded by Beedle with DJs Rocky & Diesel, made their chart-topping global hit 'Lazy', a collaboration with Talking Heads' David Byrne, which earned Ashley an Ivor Novello award.

Beedle’s friends and family are doing everything they can to support Beedle during this difficult time, with fundraising events currently being organised. More details on that are still to follow.

Donate to Beedle's ongoing healthcare fundraiser here.

Meena Sears is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on Instagram