Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
A STAR IS WORN
Kids love Louis’gesture
Youngsters from Shining Stars theatre school were dazzled as they saw the top signed by their new celebrity supporter.
Former One Direction star and new ‘ X- Factor’ judge Louis Tomlinson autographed an Airdrieonians strip at the request of local radio host Ross Owen, who is now raffling it to raise funds for the Coatbridge group.
Members of the music and drama school for children with additional support needs, saw the shirt as Ross treated them to a tour of the Diamonds’ home at the Penny Cars Stadium.
Shining Stars founder Katie Slavin-Trower said: “The kids are just ecstatic that someone from One Direction has signed a top to help them. “They can’t believe it. “Ross showed them the signed top during our visit and explained they were in the stadium where it’s from and told them all about Louis Tomlinson and that he’s really excited to help them.
“The kids saw the tunnel and the pitch at the stadium and took lots of photos. Ross was just so lovely with them and I don’t think they wanted to leave.”
Airdrie Supporters’ Trust donated the strip and radio host Ross secured the singer’s signature to add to a long list of celebrities – including Hollywood stars Tom Hanks, Mark Hamill and Robert Duvall – who have signed Diamonds strips for charity.
It is now on offer via a £ 10-per- ticket prize draw being run on Ross’ website until October 31, with the winner due to be announced the following month.
Ross said: “I have to say a big thank you, not only to Louis but to the thousands of One Direction fans who got behind us by retweeting the request until he saw it.”
Ticket sales have raised £ 700 to date and Katie told the Advertiser: “I’m really overwhelmed.
“This is just so kind and I’m so thankful that Ross is doing this for us.
“I’m hoping to buy Christmas gifts with the proceeds and to put whatever’s left towards some equipment we need.
“We have our ASN music festival next week and all our young members are saying they hope to take more tickets round then and sell them.”
The music festival takes place on Sunday, September 16, from 1pm to 7pm at Coatbridge’s Eagle Inn. Tickets cost £5 and are available from the venue or by contacting Katie.
Raffle tickets for the signed top are available at www.therossowenshow.com/ prizedraw.