The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

THE family of former T Connection drummer and lead singer Berkley Glinton Morris, otherwise known as Berkley Vanbyrd, is pleading to the public to donate blood in the name of the musician at the Princess Margaret Hospital.

Last week the artist became ill and was rushed to the trauma section at the Princess Margaret Hospital.
Posting updates on Facebook, family members said Mr Morris was in critical condition and needed blood urgently.

“My dad Mr Berkley morris is in critical condition in the trauma section of Princess Margaret hospital. Please help him fight for his life by donating at the blood bank in his name. He is in urgent need of many donors,” said Berkley Morris Jr, posting under his father’s fan page. 
He said Mr Morris had improved slightly since being hospitalised, but is still in need of blood.

“Our family and I would like to thank you all for your response, but my dad is still currently in ICU but with signs of slight improvement.”
Mr Morris’ Facebook page was flooded with well wishes from family, friends and fans.

During an interview with The Tribune last month, Mr Morris said he had been diagnosed with spinal cancer. However, it is unclear whether his hospitalization had anything to do with the illness.
Mr Morris also told The Tribune he intended to host and perform in a two-hour live concert on September 12 at the Duke Hanna Center. Songs by Teddy Pendergrass and Otis Redding were to be featured on the line up.

All of the funds raised from the concert were intended to assist with his cancer treatment and to purchase of medication.
No word has been given on whether the concert will move forward according to plan.

Mr Morris is the second artist to be hospitalised in the past few months. Bahamian songstress T’rez Hepburn was hospitalized after suffering a massive stroke on July 5. Close friend and manager of Visage band OBI Pindling dispelled rumours claiming Ms Hepburn’s condition had significantly deteriorated. She is still recovering.