Bride’s dashing son restores the Status Quo

WEDDING gift . . . Sally and Alan (back fifth and sixth left) behind Francis Rossi (centre) and Rick Parfitt (right) and other fans backstage

SIMON Whitehead came up with the perfect present to make up for having to dash off during his mum’s wedding.

For Simon (31) arranged for his mother, Sally, and her new husband Alan Johnson to meet Status Quo legends Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt!

Simon is visitor-experience manager at the National Trust’s Speke Hall near Liverpool, which hosted three concerts over the Jubilee weekend.

It was one of the biggest events in the history of the mansion with a line-up including the legendary rockers. But it clashed with Sally’s wedding. Simon could only lead his mother down the aisle at Oldham Parish Church before having to dash to work.

Sally - deputy head at Holy Cross Primary School, Oldham - said: “These three concerts meant that Simon had to be there. I was disappointed, particularly as I lost my dad in February and Simon was ready to step in and give me away.

“He walked me down the aisle and gave me away, but had to leave before the end of the service - his deadline was 2.30pm and we didn’t finish until 2.45pm.”

So Simon organised VIP tickets for Alan and Sally to see Status Quo on Sunday, and for the newlyweds to meet Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt before they went on stage.

Simon, who lives in Warrington, said: “They were over the moon with the treat. My mum was upset, but understood that I had to miss part of the service and the reception.”


Follow us on Twitter - @OldhamChronicle