ROCKINGHAM — Three area gospel groups are coming together this weekend for a benefit concert to help a local fireman.
The Eastern Sonrise Quartet and the Cameronian Quartet, both of Rockingham, and 2nd Chance Ministries of Florence, South Carolina, will be singing at event Saturday to raise money for Harold Dawkins.
Dawkins, a longtime first responder, was diagnosed late last year with Guillain-Barre syndrome.
According to the Mayo Clinic, Guillain-Barre syndrome is a rare disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the nerves. The exact cause of the disorder is still unknown and there is no cure.
However, there are treatments that can ease the symptoms, which include: prickling, pins and needles sensations in the fingers, toes, ankles or wrists; weakness in the legs that spreads to the upper body; unsteady walking or inability to walk or climb stairs; difficulty with eye or facial movements, including speaking, chewing or swallowing; severe pain that may feel achy or cramplike and may worsen at night; a rapid heart rate; and difficulty breathing.
Dawkins was a firefighter for more than 40 years and began his career with the East Rockingham Fire Department, serving as chief from 1983-1986, according to a GoFundMe page set up to help cover medical expenses.
He retired in 2005 and became a photographer for Cordova Fire and Rescue and later a contributor to Firenews.net and the Richmond Observer.
Cordova Fire and Rescue held a fundraiser for Dawkins in November. The GoFundMe page, started on Oct. 26, has only raised $170 out of the $25,000.
Bob Smith, lead singer of Eastern Sonrise, is also a captain with Cordova and deputy director of Richmond County Emergency Services.
The concert will begin at 6 p.m. Saturday at Jefferson Park Freewill Baptist Church on Broadway Street in East Rockingham.
The benefit is sponsored by the church and Cordova Fire and Rescue.
For more information, call 910-995-8544.
