Tina Barrett has penned a heartbreaking poem for her S Club 7 bandmate Paul Cattermole following his tragic death. Paul was found dead on Thursday afternoon at his home in Dorset at the age of 46.
There has been an outpouring of shock and grief since it was announced on Friday that he had died unexpectedly. Tina issued a personal statement on her Instagram page on Tuesday (April 11) thanking people for their support and sharing her heartfelt words in tribute to her friend.
Paul, who shot to fame as part of the seven-piece band back in 1998, was preparing for a return to the stage with the Bring It All Back, Reach and S Club Party hitmakers after they announced a reunion just weeks ago. Confirming the tragic news, his family and bandmates Tina, Bradley McIntosh, Hannah Spearritt, Jon Lee, Jo O'Meara and Rachel Stevens, said in a statement: "It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved son and brother Paul Cattermole. Paul was found yesterday, 6th April 2023 at his home in Dorset and was pronounced dead later that afternoon."
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Today Tina shared a photo of the band smiling together on stage surrounding Paul as he sang and played the guitar. "Thank you for all your well wishes and support in this tragic time," said Tina. "I wrote a poem for Paul I’d like to share with you all."
In the poem she described her pal as a "shining star" and "a free spirit". It reads: "Paul Cattermole. A shining star. Full of character and life. His flame burnt so bright. A rebel without a cause. A free spirit, a true force, while strumming the guitar he reached for the stars.
"Farewell sweet Paul your star shines so bright. Forever in our hearts. Sleep well and goodnight." She signed off by saying: "Miss you Cattermole love Tina."
Ahmedbassiouny97 replied: "Forever in our hearts King Paul." Riseflara told her: "Such beautiful words Tina. Sending you and the rest of S Club 7 all my love and hugs during this difficult time. may you heal through this heartbreaking loss."
Foxytony messaged: "Gone far too soon! Lovely tribute to Paul! Thank you Tina! RIP Paul." And hannahlbrown89 said: "My thoughts go to you and the rest of the S Club family. Thank you for the good times Paul."
Over the weekend, S Club 7 thanked fans for sharing their love for Paul at this difficult time: "In this difficult time for all of us, it gives us strength to know that he will never be forgotten," they said.
Sharing a picture of Paul from his S Club days, the statement continued: "In lieu of flowers, Paul's family have requested that anyone who would like to can join us in making a donation in his honour to the National Youth Music Theatre, an organisation that brought Paul so much joy growing up."
Jo also shared a personal message to say she was "devastated, shocked and heartbroken" while thanking fans for their support as she shared a throwback snap of her late bandmate.
She wrote on social media: "I just wanted to reach out and thank everybody from the bottom of my heart for the love and kindness you have shown over the tragic passing of our sweetest soul Paul. This has been utterly devastating , and I am totally shocked and heartbroken."
She continued: "We have lost someone so incredibly special to us all , and there is a huge sense of sadness that will never go," before concluding: "Paul will forever be a huge part of our lives , and I will forever treasure the memories we made! I will love you always Paul, God bless you my darling , Rest in forever Peace Love JoJo."
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