A Southampton woman received the surprise of her life when Welsh singer, Katherine Jenkins surprised her on BBC's The One Show.
Husband and wife, Tracey and Colin Gaylor started a breakfast club for veterans in Southampton nine years ago in 2015.
Three years later in 2018, the duo opened their very own Southampton Veterans Trust in Woolston – acting as a hub for ex-servicemen and women, who have access to free food as well as counselling.
Colin enlisted the help of the BBC magazine show to say 'one big thank you' to Tracey for all of her work.
Colin said: “Tracey deserves this one big thank you because not only has she saved me, but she has also saved so many other people.”
To give Tracey a day she would never forget, The One Show’s camera team posed as a press organisation while Colin and an unsuspecting Tracey visited The London Eye.
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Looking across London’s skyline, singer and trustee of the British Forces Foundation, Katherine Jenkins, surprised Tracey in a neighbouring pod, before the pair met outside the attraction.
Katherine told Tracey: “I’m here for you as I’ve heard about all your amazing work. I’m here on behalf of The One Show to say one big thank you to you. It’s so great to meet you, you effect so many people’s lives.
“Thank you for what you do for them, it’s amazing, you’re an inspiration.”
The pair held back tears on several occasions, before Tracey was surprised one final time – receiving a video message from one of her favourite singers, Alfie Boe, after viewing several video links from members of Southampton Veterans Trust.
He said: “I want to say a hug big thank you for everything that you’ve done for the Southampton Breakfast Club, you’ve brought so many people together and brought so much joy. Please keep up the good work.”
Overwhelmed by the support, Tracey commented: “That was a lovely surprise, it’s much appreciated – that was lovely.”
Since 2018 the centre has also helped house 25 veterans who were previously homeless, with Tracey working unpaid for six-days-a-week.
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