Dear dad is my wedding singer

Karen Johnson was devastated when dad Graham Holmes died last May and was dreading her big day without him. But as the 71-year-old was a singer, he recorded many tracks and Karen will tomorrow will wed sweetheart Les Green to Graham singing his favourite Irish folk song, I Will Love You all My Life.

The 52-year-old Bickershaw mum of two said: “I miss my dad and I wanted him to be part of the wedding, so I thought about walking down the aisle to one of his songs.

“I Will Love You All My Life was one of my favourites. The words don’t really match the day, but it says I Will Love You All My Life, which is true of both my dad and my partner.

“Plus he loved singing it.

“I am not sure how I will feel. I bet everyone will be crying at my dad’s song. It will be very emotional. I keep playing the song over and over again, trying to be okay, but I am sure I will be a blubbering wreck.

“But it will make me feel like my dad is with me.”

Graham, who died of lung cancer, performed as a duo with Rex Willis, who died a few years ago.

He sang at nursing homes and social clubs, with a repertoire of hits from the 1960s era. He particularly loved country songs and Roy Orbison.

Karen added: “I had an organ and loved performing. He played up until he was unable to. It is a shame he has gone, but his music will live on through his CDs,”

Karen will marry partner of 23 years Les, 62, tomorrow at the Lodge in Mesnes Park.

Their reception will be held at St Jude’s Rugby Club.

She added: “We got engaged seven years ago whilst we were on holiday to Bulgaria.

“We weren’t in a rush to get married, but we felt now was the right time.”