Karina joined Lace City in 2016 having been moved to tears during a chorus performance at a fundraising event for army veterans where she was volunteering. She quickly passed her auditions to become a valued member of the bass section and it wasn’t long before she was strutting her stuff on the front row.
Having battled through breast cancer in 2017 to then find she had secondary tumors in her brain a few months later, Karina still rarely missed a rehearsal. She underwent dramatic brain surgery in November 2018 and now follows a regime of regular chemotherapy to keep the cancer at bay. This can leave her feeling exhausted but she never lets it get her down. She always follows her mantra to ‘own this’ and encourages others in similar circumstances to do the same. Although she has not been able to drive for over a year, she still manages to make the 60-mile round-trip to rehearsal every week by whatever means available to her – always on time to lead the weekly check ins at the start of rehearsals. She also serves the chorus as editor of our weekly members newsletter.
Karina seizes every opportunity presented to her and is gradually working her way through a travel bucket list with her son Ross. Her determination, positive outlook on life and gentle caring spirit are an inspiration to everyone she meets and we are proud to name Karina as the Lace City 2020 Woman of Note.
About Karina
A short biography but were do I start?
One thing’s for certain, it’ll come from the heart!
I’ve had lots of jobs and a very varied career
From policewoman, wedding coordinator to owning a pub -serving beer!
But my greatest passion since 2016
Is singing with Lace City and I’m still really keen!
It wasn’t long before I was on the front row
Strutting my stuff – confidence continuing to grow
And now I deliver the ‘mental’ check-in
Bringing focus and calm as rehearsals begin
All through my illness I still rarely miss
The singing has helped keep a feeling of bliss!
Support from my ‘sisters’ keeps coming and never ends
I am proud to know them all, they’re all such great friends
Now I feel humbled as they’ve used their vote
To honour me as their Woman of Note!