In mid 1997, my two grandaughters, then aged 5 and 3 loved Boyzone, with Stephen Gately being the favourite of the youngest Naomi who adored him.
Around that time, Naomi was diagnosed with a mega rare genetic condition called Giant Axonal Neuropathy, which affected her ability to walk, talk, feed herself etc.
She needed constant 24 hr care, 7 days a week, which she received in abundance at home, from us all including the local authority.
She was a happy little kid who always had a smile for everyone. I used to take her out in my van, strapped in her seat,, and then push her around in her buggy, which i carried in the back, enjoying the fresh country air, picking flowers, watching the planes,,, anything, she loved it.
One day in 1998 my daughter, son in law, and the 2 girls went to see a Boyzone concert in Aberdeen and it was arranged for them to meet up with the group backstage, after the concert.
Boyzone could not have been more caring. We have photographs of the group all gathered round Naomi with her mum,dad and sister all in the photos.
Stephen Gately held a very special place in Naomi's heart. She loved him and that's why I think of him so fondly.
Naomi died on the 8th of March 2003 aged 9, and anything that was special to her is so very special to me.
Roughcaster.