Durrant Pate/Contributor

Sophia Laing, wife of Jamaican gospel–dancehall icon, Lt. Stitchie has delivered an emotional update on his health by phone recently, as supporters gathered in London earlier this week during a ‘Lt. Stitchie Road to Recovery’ fundraising event. 

The fundraiser, presented by Unique Touch Entertainment Promotions and Sunshine Horizon Promotions is part of a three-city UK benefit tour aimed at assisting the veteran DJ with his long and costly rehabilitation.

“Stitchie is fighting, and for that I give God thanks,” Laing told noting that while Lt. Stitchie remains unable to speak fully, there are encouraging signs of improvement. Last year, the ‘Wear Your Size‘ deejay suffered a major stroke that left him unable to speak or walk. He was initially hospitalised before being transferred to a rehabilitation facility.

Addressing supporters in London by phone, Laing thanked attendees for their solidarity saying her family has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love across the UK. “When you speak, he will respond by making sounds,” she explained, adding that he continues daily therapy and has shown progress so far. According to her, “he’s (Lt. Stitchie) able to balance a whole lot more when he’s placed in a wheelchair. If he realises that he’s slipping to either side, he’ll use his elbow to raise himself up,” Laing declared positing,  “And to God we offer glory for that.”

Laing confirmed the DJ was taken to the hospital a day earlier over concerns about a persistent cough. Despite the setbacks, she emphasised his survival as a testament to faith. “He is still here with us, still in the land of the living,” she shared, describing his recovery journey as “a testament of God’s grace and favour upon his life.”

Medical expenses burdensome

Laing spoke candidly about the burdensome medical expenses in which the family has been enduring the family is more than half a million dollars, excluding emergency ambulance trips and specialist consultations. For her, “it is truly a lot — a hard and tough and rough journey. We appreciate any help. Whatever you give, we appreciate it from the depths of our hearts.”  Mrs. Laing’s voice broke slightly as she stressed, “we need every cent, every donation, no matter how small,” praising the Jamaica-born organiser leading the fundraising efforts abroad.

“A number of respects to Gracie… she’s the person leading the charge for his speedy recovery,” Laing said whilst also thanking the DJ’s management team for ongoing assistance such as the provision of “supplies on a monthly basis for his residency, for the ambulance to the hospital.” The tour organiser confirmed that community backing has been strong and continues to grow telling patrons at the concert, “we’ve gone through three cities and we’ve got more to go…London is totally behind him.”

The crowd erupted into applause, with supporters urging: “Tell Stitchie we love him.” As the UK benefit tour progresses, organisers say their mission is far from over, as the reggae and gospel community rallies behind the DJ.