Simon says aisle be there for wedding surprise at Quo concert (From Warrington Guardian)

Simon Whitehead arranges for mum, Sally to meet Status Quo after missing her wedding

9:44am Friday 6th July 2012 in News

MISSING out on his mum’s big day meant Simon Whitehead had to come up with something big to say sorry.

And what better way to make it up to Sally Johnson than by arranging a backstage treat at a Status Quo concert where he works at Speke Hall.

The 31-year-old, of Kingsway North, said: “The dates had been fixed eight months ago, but could not be changed. My mum was upset but understood that I had to miss the service and reception.

“I went to the wedding rehearsal and was able to walk her down the aisle, but then had to leave to get back to the hall. I had no choice as it was the opening day of such an important event in the hall’s history.”

So as the rockers lined up for their show on the second night of a three-day event Sally and new husband Alan got to meet Quo’s Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt.

“They were over the moon by the treat. It was the icing on their wedding cake,” said Simon, a former bank manager who has worked for the National Trust for two years.

Warrington band Conquer Rio played on the opening night and bassist Lew Melia said: “We were thrilled to be able to play in front of that many people, just a top experience.”