Coventry Telegraph

Mum of tragic Cov Uni student tells of battle to get tickets for Sheeran gig

- By JESSICA WALFORD News Reporter Ashlee Krysta McFarland, her mum Shelley Diment (below) and singer Ed Sheeran

THE mother of Coventry University student Ashlee Krysta McFarland, who died suddenly last September, said it was “emotional” to go to the concert her late daughter was meant to see.

Ed Sheeran fan Ashlee Krysta McFarland, 22, had bought three tickets to see the star during his record-breaking run of shows in Cardiff, but on September 1st 2017 she died suddenly. A coroner attributed her death to Sudden Adult Death Syndrome.

Mum Shelley Diment was left devastated by her death but said Sheeran played a huge role in her daughter’s life.

After Ashlee’s passing, Shelley spent months battling the ticket agent Ticketmast­er to receive the tickets on Ashlee’s behalf.

But she was left “devastated” when she was told by Ticketmast­er she couldn’t change the name on the tickets - after Ashlee had bought the three tickets in her name using her bank card - and therefore couldn’t go, reports Wales Online .

Shelley claimed they even asked for her daughter’s death certificat­e.

The issue was eventually resolved by the company and Shelley was able to go to the concert at the Principali­ty Stadium, Cardiff, on Saturday night . “It was very emotional,” she said. “I think I cried most of the way through it but I’m so glad I went.”

One of the more poignant moments was when Sheeran sang Photograph - a song that meant a lot to Shelley and her daughter.

“It’s a favourite song for both of us - we love it. It reminds the whole family of Ash whenever we hear it,” Shelley said.

“I was shaking lots and a lady next to me took my phone and filmed it for me.

“I had goosebumps and was crying but I loved it. It was unbelievab­le.”

“[Ashlee] would have been so proud of me for going because I don’t go out that much.

“She would have absolutely been in her element, queueing to be at the front.

“She would have there for hours before.

“I tried to get as close as we could but we were at the back so we could sit.

“But we were close enough to hear him when he was singing Photograph. “I was so overwhelme­d.” Now Shelley hopes she can go to more Ed Sheeran shows in “tribute” to her late daughter.

“I want to go and see him again,” she said.

“He’s the one person we have in common. We both love Ed.

“Some of the songs are really special to us.

“It was a tribute to her.”

I want to go and see him again. He’s the one person we have in common. We both love Ed

Shelley Diment, Ashlee’s mum

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