HE’S one of the UK’s biggest music stars – and he brought a smile to the faces of hospital patients.
Take That star Gary Barlow visited Southampton General Hospital to make a dream come true for four-year-old fan Jack Robinson, pictured below.
Jack is being treated at the hospital for an inoperable brain tumour and as a result has been given just a five per cent chance of survival.
When his family were given the devastating diagnosis, they started compiling a “bucket list” of things Jack wanted to do – and top of his wish list was meeting Gary Barlow.
After an appeal on social networking sites, the youngster’s dream was fulfilled when the six-time Ivor Novello Award winner, who was appointed an OBE in 2012 for services to music and charity, visited the hospital yesterday.
Gary Barlow meets hospital play specialist Claire Pickett
The former X Factor judge spent just under an hour with Jack, who lives in Denmead, near Portsmouth, much to the delight of his family.
He also spent time posing for photos with other patients and chatting to staff.
Chrissy Ward, advanced paediatric neurosurgical nurse practitioner, said: “Jack’s family and the nurses had managed to keep Gary’s visit a secret from Jack so it was a lovely surprise when he walked on to the ward. He made the visit very personal and special – a real gentleman.
Patient Gemma Chopra meets Take That star Gary Barlow
“He has not only made Jack and many other patients, staff and visitors extremely happy, he has shown the positive side of celebrities and a real enthusiasm to make a difference.
“We are extremely grateful to him for supporting our patients – he is welcome to return any time!”
Since Jack’s diagnosis, his parents Marie, 41, and Terence, 47, along with sisters Danielle, 21, Christina, 18, Natalie, 14, and identical twin brother Liam, of Bere Road, Denmead, have been doing their best to make his dreams come true.
Fundraising events have also been organised through a Fight For Jack Facebook page, including a charity auction featuring items signed by professional darts players Simon Whitlock and Michael van Gerwen, a Valentine’s Ball and a sponsored buggy walk.
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