Gary Barlow becomes patron of bereavement charity

Singer-songwriter legend Gary Barlow has become a Patron of Child Bereavement UK. His support was announced at a lunch in aid of the charity, which supports families and educates professionals when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying, or when a child is facing bereavement.

The event at the Hilton Manchester Deansgate Hotel was attended by around 450 supporters of the charity and raised £57,000. Gary Barlow was interviewed by Eamonn Holmes and gave a surprise

performance of one of his hit songs, Forever Love, to the delight of guests.

Gary and his wife Dawn's baby daughter Poppy was stillborn on 4 August 2012. Of becoming Patron, Gary said: "I am delighted to help raise the profile of Child Bereavement UK, a wonderful charity that provides vital support to bereaved families. Becoming a patron is my way of saying thank for all the help it has given us and many other families going through the pain of bereavement."