Brave Lynda gets to meet her pop heroes
MEETING UP ... Lynda Rann comes face to face with her pop heroes, BoyzIIMen.
A BRAVE terminally-ill mum from South Tyneside enjoyed a special birthday treat this week – when she met her pop heroes.
As reported by the Gazette, Lynda Rann is receiving special help to remain at home as she faces up to her own death.
As part of the unique support package, the mum-of-two from Jarrow celebrated her 55th birthday – and met chart-topping US band BoyzIIMen backstage at The Sage Gateshead.
The ticket, and once-in-a-lifetime pop treat, were laid on by Tyneside social housing provider Home Group.
Miss Rann, of Ellen Court, Jarrow, who suffers from the incurable lung disease bronchiectasis, is part of Home Group’s A Good Death pilot project.
Speaking after meeting her pop idols before Wednesday’s gig, Miss Rann said: “I’m delighted that I had the chance to meet BoyzIIMen.
“I’ve been a very big fan of theirs since they first started. The first one of their songs I heard was End of the Road in the early 90s and I’ve been a huge fan ever since, collecting all of their albums.”
Miss Rann, a mother and grandmother, added: “I’ve seen them once before, but I was at the back of the hall, so I didn’t get a good view. To meet the band face-to-face was a real privilege.
“I was a little bit nervous at meeting them, but the group soon put me at ease. It’s been a real highlight and a wonderful early birthday present from Home Group and The Sage, who made it happen.”
Studies reveal that 65 per cent of terminally-ill people would prefer to die at home, but less than 20 per cent do so.
The A Good Death scheme is a nine-month trial, funded by the North East Health Innovation Cluster and Newcastle Science City.
Rachael Byrne, Home Group’s executive director of care and support, said: “Making people’s end of life experience more comfortable is part of the A Good Death scheme.
“Helping them achieve their goals is important. It’s been a pleasure organising this for Lynda, and we’re grateful to The Sage Gateshead for helping us make this happen.”
More information about the A Good Death scheme is available by calling Jeannie Penman on 0773 930 3201.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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