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Born in Pumpherston, West Lothian, Scotland, Kerry McGregor had an extraordinary life of triumph over tragedy with so many people describing her attitude as an inspiration to us all. Kerry's first set back was the loss of her father George, who died in a road traffic accident when she was just 5 years old. Kerry was raised by adoring and single mum Margaret. She was a budding gymnast, identified to compete at national level but when aged 13, Kerry suffered a broken back, when she fell from a tree, resulting in incomplete paralysis from the waist down.
Kerry attended West Calder High School and at that time, the authorities told her, she would need to attend a special school. Through sheer determination, proving the experts wrong, Kerry defied the odds and crammed all the physiotherapy of 2 years into just 6 weeks. Kerry developed her upper body strength and by using leg braces and crutches alone, Kerry showed she could make her way around the school and was permitted to remain in mainstream schooling. The following year, Kerry won the UK Child Achievement Award and described it as her "proudest moment".
Kerry continued on crutches for as long as she could and developed her passion for the Arts. Furthering her education and dream of becoming a recording artist, she attended Jewel and Esk Valley College, in Edinburgh and learned her trade.
From 1993, Kerry formed various bands and recorded albums which reached the UK National Charts. She was talent-spotted by Kenny MacDonald (manager of The Proclaimers) and in 1997, recorded an entry to the Eurovision Song Contest that was runner up in the UK competition.
Kerry had also found fame as an actress, in both theatre and on screen, appearing in BBC1's Grange Hill and Channel 4's The Book Group. Kerry's desire to lead a normal life while getting results continued, exposing the stereotypes associated with disability. However, it was as a contestant in the sensational and internationally acclaimed The X Factor TV show where Kerry was to capture the hearts of millions. Mentored by Sharon Osbourne, Kerry reached the final 10, featuring weekly on the live shows in the memorable year Leona Lewis went on to win. After the show, Kerry continued to perform sell out shows and managed to juggle being a singer-songwriter and mum to Joshua and loving partner to Dean Robertson.
Kerry used her popularity and celebrity status at every opportunity to drive media attention for those affected by disability, giving hope and inspiration to millions. She worked with several charities representing women, children and the disabled including; Spinal Injuries Association, Voluntary Sector Gateway, Leonard Cheshire Disability, CLIC Sargent and many others. Kerry's achievements and attitude made her the perfect role model and obvious candidate for many events associated with various disabilities.
However, in September 2010, after a long period of feeling unwell, Kerry was diagnosed with bladder cancer. She underwent extensive treatment but continued to support and raise awareness for a number of charities and also develop her own projects. She was appointed Ambassador to the UK's first charity dedicated to fighting bladder cancer, Action for Bladder Cancer (ABC). Despite losing her trademark long blonde hair and the treatment almost leaving her deaf, Kerry also continued writing and recording.
Kerry had appointed new management and momentum was building on many future opportunities. Kerry had been supported to perform at the opening ceremony for 2012 London Paralympics Games. She was also set to record a charity duet with superstar Susan Boyle, who had paid tribute to Kerry in her book as her inspiration to go on the hit TV show Britain's Got Talent but Kerry's health quickly deteriorated and on 4th January 2012, Kerry passed away at her home (aged 37).
Tributes of Kerry's passing were tweeted by Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne and Susan Boyle, with millions of social media followers each, and millions of traditional media coverage, including front page news headlines. Kerry's losing battle with cancer and sad loss had touched the hearts of millions yet again. With unprecedented exposure, messages continued to rain in from celebrities and fans from across the world.
Kerry's funeral took place on Tuesday 10th January, near to her home in West Lothian. Police closed off roads as hundreds of friends and fans attended to pay their respects to a truly inspirational but humble lady, who was loved by so many.
