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Motorway drama almost stops Amanda's show
The parents of a renowned Chorley opera singer have revealed the drama behind her superstar performance in the town.
World famous Amanda Roocroft returned to her roots to take to the stage at Adlington Community Centre in support of the brass band she started her musical career with.
But the star, who features in a list of the top 20 world divas, could have missed the sell-out concert after being involved in a collision on the M6.
The mum-of-three, who now lives in Cambridgeshire, was travelling with her three sons to Chorley when a car ran into the back of their vehicle.
Her dad, Roger Roocroft, said: "Amanda had come to a complete stop on the motorway because of traffic when a car hit the back of hers.
"The collision threw her forward and she jarred her back, but luckily she drives quite a big car so her three children and cat and dog were all okay."
Roger said he had to take Amanda to Chorley Hospital on Friday night because of the collision, but she still managed to wow a crowd of more than 300 the following night.
He added: "She had to lie on the floor in the intervals. She is a true performer and wouldn't tell people what had happened, but she was in pain.
"It still went extremely well though and people travelled from Manchester to come and see her – it was cracking. They would never have known."
Amanda, who is affectionately known as Mandy to her friends and family, agreed to hold the concert to help raise money to send the Rivington and Adlington Brass Band to the national finals of the Brass Band Championships.
It is only the second time in the history of the band that they have made it to the finals and they need to raise the money to sponsor their trip to Harrogate.
Mr Roocroft, who still lives in Coppull, said he was proud to see his daughter return to her roots.
He added: "It was all very exciting and she performed You'll Never Walk Alone with the band as the last song. She performed some opera songs as well as favourites including Amazing Grace.
"It also turned out to be a bit of a family affair as my wife Valerie accompanied Amanda on the piano and her niece Charlotte played the cornet alongside her as a duo.
"My son Anthony and his wife Jennifer and my grandson Alexander also performed with the band and Valerie's training band got to join in."
Mr Roocroft said his daughter, who has sung in front of thousands of people at top venues including the Royal Albert Hall, enjoyed performing whether it was in front of a small crowd or larger ones.
The band will compete in the Brass Band Championships in September.
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Weather for Chorley
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
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