More Than a Concert: Why This Week’s Take That Shows Mean So Much to Two Fans

Two Take That fanatics will shed tears of joy and sadness when they watch the boyband in Coventry this week.

Helena Waterworth, from Coventry, and Bex Patchett will have cause to celebrate, and to reflect on personal loss, when the boys perform at Coventry Building Society Arena.

Last Christmas, Helena’s mum continued a sweet family tradition by giving her two daughters money towards Take That concert tickets as part of their presents.

Sadly, Helena’s mum suddenly became ill earlier this year and died after a short battle with acute Myeloid Leukaemia.

In homage to her beloved mum - who happened to share her January 20th birthday with Gary Barlow - Helena, her youngster sister and 25-year-old daughter, will wear specially-made T-shirts at two of Take That’s three shows at Coventry Building Society Arena this week.

“She (mum) put money towards our Take That tickets for The Circus Live tour this year so we have had T-shirts specially made for her,” said Helena, 48.

“We will all be wearing these as we sing and dance along to remember her; and probably have a little cry too.”

Helena is such a super fan that everyone at the group of nurseries where she works knows about her love of the boyband. And when she turned 40, her husband even bought her a Take That cake.

Helena’s claim to fame is that she kissed Mark Owen on the cheek during a stage performance and has video evidence to prove it!

Helena has followed the group since their first live shows in 1992. She saw them in Wolverhampton, aged 14, at what was her first ever concert, “and I was hooked!”

As a youngster she would plaster her bedroom walls with massive Take That posters. Mark was her number one, but Gary has now taken on the mantle as favourite. She has bought every album, every single and every magazine and attended every tour since.

Bex, from Brigg in North Lincolnshire, will also experience bittersweet moments when her musical idols take to the stage.

“They have been an important part of my life,” she said. “In the happiest of times, when getting married and having our rainbow baby, and also the saddest.

“Losing three unborn children was so hard for me, but with the support of Take That’s music, and of course my amazing hubby, I came through it.”

Bex missed Take That’s first incarnation of The Circus Live tour in 2009 as she was recovering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the loss of her first unborn child.

“Being able to finally see The Circus Live is going to be super special,” the 46-year-old said. “Especially as my miracle baby is also coming. She will be 10 and the tickets are a surprise for her birthday.

“She came to see This Life on Tour with me in Birmingham in 2024. She is as mad about them as me. Gary is her fave and we got to see him enter the arena and got a pic of him.

“That's the closest I have ever been to them. I would love to meet them and say thank you for all their music over the years.”