By Graham Hiley.
The Saw Doctors made a very special dream come true for a superfan fan at the Wickham Festival.
The top Irish band had an emotional reunion Charlotte Blogg.
Charlotte is epileptic and suffered a heart attack while running the Eastleigh 10K – five years ago to the day of their headline slot at the popular music event.
Her collapse left the then 35-year-old severely brain damaged, confined to a wheelchair and unable to speak or care for herself.
Throughout five years of intensive treatment and struggle, one of the few things to constantly spark any meaningful reaction was listening to the Saw Doctors whom she had known personally for many years.
When it was announced that her favourite group would be appearing at Wickham, her family set a goal to get her there as a 40th birthday present. Organisers were only too happy to make it happen – and even arranged for her to meet the band who were deeply moved to see her.
Her mother, Anne Barton, said: “It was truly magical. We were very unsure whether we would be able to get Charlie there at all – and if we did, whether she would be able to cope with the crowds, the noise and the emotion of seeing them.
“But she absolutely loved it. The lads were so good with her and she knew them all, smiled, squealed, held their hands and even tried to say a few words. She had known singer Leo Moran for many years before her collapse and he was deeply moved.
“Davy Carton the other singer was clearly very emotional to see her like that but the whole band took time to engage with her even though they were preparing to go on stage. They sang for her backstage and even dedicated their final song of the set to her which was amazing.
“I cannot thank the band and the festival organisers enough because this was a very special day we thought might never happen. It has been a real struggle over the past few years and it was wonderful to see Charlie’s face light up. For us, it really was a case of ‘To Win Just Once’ as the Saw Doctors sing.”
Leo Moran added: “We had seen Charlie at gigs regularly over the years and got to know her and her lovely family. We were so sad to hear what happened to her. It was shocking.
“It just shows how your life can change for ever in an instant so of course we wanted to spend time with her and dedicate Hay Wrap to her.
“It was a very emotional moment for all of us, both heart-warming and heart-breaking at the same time.”
The Saw Doctors are currently back in the charts with the Green and Red of Mayo following Mayo’s All-Ireland Gaelic Football victory over Kerry, their first triumph in 75 years.
They produced a storming set at Wickham to the delight of the fans and organiser Peter Chegwyn who said: “They were brilliant – both on stage and off it.
“In addition to being a superb band, they are the nicest people and were so good with Charlie. I am delighted we were able to make it happen. It really was a very special moment which clearly meant a lot to the band as well as the family – and that is what we are all about.”
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