Coronation Street's Shayne Ward has made a mum's dying wish come true
Very kind
Coronation Street actor and former X Factor star Shayne Ward made a mum's dying wish by paying her a surprise visit last week. The actor was touched by a social media campaign to get him to meet Sheila Turner, who is receiving end of life care.
The Manchester Evening News (MEN) reports that the campaign was set up by Shelia's best friend Kelly Cosgrove and within 24 hours of starting the campaign it was successful in bringing Shayne to Shelia, who is a big fan of the actor.
The moment when Shayne arrived at Shelia's house was captured on camera, which Kelly later posted on Facebook.
Kelly told the MEN, “When Sheila saw him walk into her bedroom she started crying straight away, he went to her and hugged her and started holding her hand.
“She told him about how she used to vote for him every week in The X Factor and we were all laughing.
“He told Sheila to stay strong, he just kept hugging and kissing her.”
Shayne spent some time with the 53-year-old who is terminally ill with lung cancer, signing autographs and chatting to her.
Shayne Ward and Sheila Turner
Kelly went on to explain why she started the Facebook campaign, “She Sheila just deteriorated very fast over the last couple of months.
“On Thursday I was sat with Sheila and with her son Chris and we knew at that point there is no coming back from this now, it’s game over.
“We were sat listening to songs reminding us of each other and Shayne Ward was one of the songs we played, and I said to her ‘is there anyone you would like to see’, and she said Shayne Ward. He is a local lad, she feels like he’s just like her.
“So I said right let’s use the power of Facebook and try to do it."
Their campaign was so successful it took less than 24 hours for Shayne to visit Shelia.
Shayne later took to Twitter to say he hadn't been expecting all the responses from his visit, but called them 'lovely'.
He tweeted, 'Bless you all.🙏🏻 I wasn’t expecting all these lovely responses regarding me visiting Sheila privately at her home. I hope She is as comfortable as she can be. 🙏🏻❤️. Thinking of you Sheila. X'. sic
Many comments have been coming in since Shayne's tweet including one from his partner and former Hollyoaks actress Sophie Austin who said, 'You are an angel bubba xxx'. sic
Shayne's co-stars Georgia Taylor (who plays Toyah Battersby) and Jane Danson (who plays Leanne Battersby) also commented, 'You’re such a kind soul, Finbar. That’s why we ❤️ you xxx' and 'Totally!! What a beautiful thing to do xxx'.
Fans were also thanking the actor on his generous act with one saying, 'I was one of the people who messaged you about this lady. I am in complete admiration for the generous and compassion you shown to Sheila. I always thought you were a decent guy..now I know you are!! Much love ❤️'.
And another saying, 'Oh my I'm crying 😭 what a fabulous thing you've done for this lady. ❤ I met you once in b&q as I voted every week and your song was played at my 1st dance All my life ❤'. sic
This year is set to be a big year for Shayne Ward in Coronation Street. The actor, who has been playing the role of Aidan Connor for over two years, is expected to leave the popular soap in a big storyline. While no details have been revealed just yet viewers have been told to prepare to be stunned.
Coronation Street continues on ITV with double episodes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.