Big thanks to star guy Shayne

May 26 2008 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

A FEW weeks ago I told you about how I’d enjoyed showing Shayne Ward around Leeds when he was there promoting his UK tour.

During that evening, we’d planned a surprise for my sister Rosemarie, who is Shayne’s biggest fan.

He happened to be giving a live concert at Sheffield Hallam FM Arena on the night of Rosemarie’s birthday and I’d mentioned to Shayne that I’d love to bring her along.

He very kindly agreed to arrange for us to go backstage after the gig and present Rosemarie with a bouquet of flowers.

Well, where family are concerned I’m terrible at hiding things from them. How I didn’t blurt it out over the last three weeks I don’t know. I told Rosemarie we were going out for a lavish dinner for her birthday so she wouldn’t suspect and would dress to impress.

Most people have an idol. My Mum’s favourite is Tom Jones and my father-in-law loves Elvis. Can you imagine being able to fulfil your loved one’s dream and actually take them to meet their idol?

Rosemarie was over the moon when we arrived at Sheffield and she twigged we were going to the concert but she had absolutely no idea what I had planned with Shayne.

When I dragged her away right at the end, she still didn’t realise we were heading backstage.

For all the hard work she does looking after my Mum and her teenage son Luke, while still holding down a full-time job, it gave me so much pleasure to delight her with this surprise.

Shayne was wonderful with her and posed for loads of photos, most of which she’s posted on her Facebook profile, as of course she wants to tell everyone about the experience.

It’s not the gifts you buy with money that are the most valuable, it’s the memories which last forever that you treasure and both Rosemarie and I will never forget it.

Thank you Shayne!