S Club 7 star Tina Barrett says farewell to Paul Cattermole in beautiful poem she penned in memory of bandmate
11.04.2023 - 16:45
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Tina Barrett has penned a heartbreaking poem for her S Club 7 bandmate Paul Cattermole following his tragic death. Paul was found dead on Thursday afternoon at his home in Dorset at the age of 46.
There has been an outpouring of shock and grief since it was announced on Friday that he had died unexpectedly. Tina issued a personal statement on her Instagram page on Tuesday (April 11) thanking people for their support and sharing her heartfelt words in tribute to her friend.
Paul, who shot to fame as part of the seven-piece band back in 1998, was preparing for a return to the stage with the Bring It All Back, Reach and S Club Party hitmakers after they announced a reunion just weeks ago. Confirming the tragic news, his family and bandmates Tina, Bradley McIntosh, Hannah Spearritt, Jon Lee, Jo O'Meara and Rachel Stevens, said in a statement: "It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved son and brother Paul Cattermole. Paul was found yesterday, 6th April 2023 at his home in Dorset and was pronounced dead later that afternoon."
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Today Tina shared a photo of the band smiling together on stage surrounding Paul as he sang and played the guitar. "Thank you for all your well wishes and support in this tragic time," said Tina. "I wrote a poem for Paul I’d like to share with you all."
In the poem she described her pal as a "shining star" and "a free spirit". It reads: "Paul Cattermole. A shining star. Full of character and life. His flame burnt so bright. A rebel without a cause. A free spirit, a true force, while strumming the guitar he reached for the stars.
"Farewell sweet Paul your star shines