Whitwell: Celebrity boost for local solider as Gary Barlow visits the troops

Daniel O’Keefe, 23, has been in the Army for three years and is three months into his 10-month maiden tour of duty in Helmand Province with the 9 12th Lancers.

Take That man and X-Factor judge Gary visited the troops for two days and performed two concerts while he was there, as well as meeting and chatting with the soldiers.

“I think Daniel was a little taken aback at first but he quickly started chatting with him and he said he was a really nice man,” said Daniel’s mum Natalie woods, also from Whitwell.

“He wasn’t a fan of Take That or anything like that but he enjoyed meeting him and he got me Gary’s autograph, so I was very happy.”

Daniel will remain in Afghanistan until next July and Natalie admits she worries about him.

“It can be tough for me some days as I do worry about him out there but I’m also immensely proud of him for what he is doing as well,” she continued.

“It’s this sort of thing that he joined the Army for, this is what he wants to do and I know he is proud to be serving his country out there, but I’ll also be glad to have him back home.”