Emotions run high as mum is able to see the big show
A MUM whose daughter died suddenly said it was “emotional” to go to the Ed Sheeran show her late daughter was meant to see.
Music fan Ashlee Krysta McFarland bought three tickets to see the star during his record-breaking run of shows in Cardiff.
But months later the 22-year-old Coventry University student from Canton, Cardiff was found dead at home.
Mum Shelley Diment was left devastated by her death but said Ed played a huge role in her daughter’s life, and when the tickets were recently delivered she decided she would still go - 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.
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 on Saturday. “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 Ed sang Photograph.
“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 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.”
Shelley said although she loved the show it was a hard day for her before she reached the Principality Stadium.
“I was in bits all day, but it was worth it,” she said.
“[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 been there for hours before.”
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.”