THE DREAMS of a hospice patient have come true thanks to world renowned opera singer Andrea Bocelli.
Susan Taylor, from Broadheath, has been a lifelong fan of the Italian singer and burst into tears when she received a personal letter from the tenor who has sold 70million records worldwide.
In the letter Mr Bocelli dedicated his song ‘The Prayer’ to Susan as one of the songs that always moves him everytime he sings it. The 74-year-old has now said the song will be the final song at her funeral.
And thanks to Susan’s family and staff at St Richard’s Hospice, she will also get to the meet the Italian singer on Saturday (October 1) after seeing him in concert at the 02 Arena in London.
Susan said: “I just burst into tears when I received his letter – I was elated and amazed.
“I cannot believe that he took the trouble to write to me, personally. This really means everything to me as I have adored his voice since he first became known to me.
“As Celine Dion said, if you can sit and imagine what God’s voice would sound like, this is it.
“His music filled my house with joy and emotion as it now does at St Richard’s Hospice.
“His suggested song of The Prayer could not be more perfect and it will be the final song at my funeral service.”
In the letter, Andrea Bocelli wrote: “Along with a big embrace, kind Susan, please accept my encouragement to rejoice always, and to make plans in spite of illness and to enjoy the miracle of life, looking for serenity and intensity in every single moment of your day.
“And if you decide to accompany it once again with my voice, I will feel really honoured.”
St Richard’s Hospice Fund-raising Director Tricia Cavell said: “When I heard Susan was such a huge fan of Andrea Bocelli and wanted to meet him, we did all we could to make it happen.
“We are incredibly grateful to Mr Bocelli and his team for being so thoughtful and generous in giving Susan and her family memories to treasure.”
