Highlands Unites For James
Illawarra Mercury
Thursday November 29, 2007
THE stars will be out in the Southern Highlands tonight when family and friends rally to support James Kemsley - one of Australia's best-loved cartoonists - in his battle against motor neurone disease.
Best known as the man behind the Ginger Meggs comic strip for the past 24 years, Kemsley was first diagnosed with the debilitating disease about 18 months ago.Actor Noeline Brown will be the Master of Ceremonies at a fundraiser at the Bradman Museum of Cricket in Bowral, with country singer John Williamson as special guest.The venue is a fitting one for Kemsley, who is a founding member of the museum and one of only a handful of life members.Yesterday, close family friend Robert James said the level of support for the cartoonist, his wife Wendy and their three sons Jed, 20, Hywell, 17, and Seb, 10, had been overwhelming."One of the first signs of motor neurone disease is the deterioration of speech and James has now got to the point where he cannot speak," he said."James is one of the world's great communicators with pen and word on a myriad of topics, and not being able to speak is so frustrating for him."He has accomplished many things in a life that has attracted lasting friendships from some of the biggest names in show business and sport and other areas."Over the years, James has been such a generous person to those around him and now it's time for us to help him in his time of need."The Ginger Meggs comic strip is published in more than 20 countries and features daily in the Mercury.Inquiries about tickets or donations can be made to Chris Isles on 0417 476 775.
© 2007 Illawarra Mercury
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