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A THORNHILL mum recovered from major surgery and met her musical hero.
The day before a operation on her heart, Audrey Ironside was handed an envelope by her daughter Lorraine Ironside-Brown, containing concert tickets she hoped would inspire her recovery.
Lorraine said: “I had told her that the Daniel O’Donnell gig in Aberdeen was sold out so we couldn’t get tickets... but we had all along.
“We wanted her to have something to focus on, so after she saw them we told her she had to make it through the operation to see Daniel!”
Retired cleaner Audrey has followed “Wee Daniel” for over three decades. Known for his close relationship with his fan base and his charismatic stage presence, O’Donnell’s music has been described as a mix of country and Irish folk. He has sold over 10 million records to date and is considered a cultural icon in his home country.
Superfan Audrey had seen County Donegal’s finest live three times before at Eden Court, Inverness and owns more than 20 of his albums.
Lorraine said: “Unfortunately, the day after she got her tickets, the operation wasn’t going to plan, so the family were called for.
“Thankfully mum’s doctor at Aberdeen ARI pulled her through. She spent six weeks in different wards and kept saying to everyone she was going to see Daniel O’Donnell!”
Meanwhile, Lorraine wrote to the singer’s record company, KCP Management, to see if she could organise another surprise for her mum – a meeting at Aberdeen Music Hall.
“They did!” said Lorraine. “The family managed to keep the whole surprise a secret until we got to the venue, and I told her as we waited to get into the show.
“What a great time she had, and Daniel was so good to her, really friendly.”
She added: “When she met him she was smiling from ear to ear, even got a kiss which made her day. She said she can’t believe how lucky she is!”
Talking from the US, Mr O’Donnell said: “It’s always nice to get a chance to meet the fans, whether it be before the show or after.
“I find that many come to give themselves a little pick me up – if they aren’t feeling to well – and as a singer, to be able to do that for someone, is what it’s all about.”
