I first met Gareth in May 2007
When I heard he was going to Wolverhampton, although it was a long way, I decided to go.
When we arrived at Wolverhampton, there was some time to spare, so we went into a local bar, to get something to eat. I met loads of other women of all ages, who were just as keen on Gareth as I was. We were all very excited about seeing Gareth perform live, as it had been a long time since he had, and we discussed it whilst ordering our food.
Whilst we were sat at the table eating, I asked, “ What is he really like? Does he get fed up when fans plague him?. I was told.
“ He's even better looking than you see on TV, and he's always happy and smiling, and has got time for his fans!”
This made me even more intrigued, as so many stars are too busy for their fans, and they often forget that without them, they wouldn't be famous.
“ Well, I probably won't get to meet him today.” I said wistfully, remembering how disappointed I'd been at Whitstable after we had waited for a couple of hours in the rain.
Keith, who was seated amongst loads of women, which he loved ,remarked cheekily.
“ Look, Gareth's just coming in the door.”
“ Don't be so silly!” I said, not finding his humour very funny at this moment.
“ But he is!”
We all turned, and I thought my eyes were deceiving me when I saw Gareth, accompanied by a big man who I presumed must be his minder, walk into the bar. There was a huge scream from all the women, and I've never seen anything like it before. Everyone left their plates of food, handbags, everything, and rushed over towards where he was queuing for a drink. Keith and I were left
sitting at the table. I was bewildered, having never seen the like of this before.
I would have loved to march up to the front, but I am by nature, a shy and reserved person, and I'm always the one that hangs back, and besides all that. I didn't know him!
Elaine took me by the arm and steered me over, saying to Gareth. “ I would like you to meet Carol, Gareth.”
He smiled and said “Hi,”, but to my mortification, I opened my mouth to speak, and nothing came out. I must have looked like a gold fish in a bowl. I was totally star struck, and couldn't believe he really was standing in front of me.
But I had lost the moment, Someone else was standing next to me, I found out later it was Sarahjane, and she was as nervous as I was. Other people were now trying to talk to him, but his minder stepped in. “ We've come in here for a quiet drink, leave Gareth alone!”
The army of disappointed females returned to their seats, and their cold food, but all the while keeping their eyes on Gareth whilst he sat, trying to relax over his drink. The sight of him so near and yet so far became too much to bear, after three long years of waiting for his return, and gradually , they all filed past him in pairs, on the pretext of going to the Ladies room, and then filed back again, looking longingly over to him.
Then all of a sudden it happened, Gareth put down his glass, and came over to where the fans had collected in a very orderly queue. After that I don't remember too much, other being taken into the queue. It was pandemonium, cameras were flashing, people laughing and trying to get to him, the minder was saying that we didn't have long, but it was falling on deaf ears.
Gareth had a smile for everyone, and posed for numerous pictures. Everyone was finding it very stressful, as we all had the same aim, to get to him before it was too late, and I marvelled at his calmness whilst dealing with a room full of excited women, it didn't faze him at all.
The minder was telling him he had to go, and as I was next in the line, I was pushed forward, and suddenly I was there, looking at my hero, and my dream had come true. I wanted to tell him how much I admire him, what a wonderful singer he is, and how much he brightens my life up, but instead all I could get out was. “ Will you sign my CD?” He willingly obliged, but the case got stuck, and we couldn't open it. His minder was breathing hell fire again, and wanted him to go, so I took the plunge, and asked him if I could have my picture taken with him, or rather, I pointed at the camera!
Gareth willingly obliged, and it was a very special moment for me when he put his arm around me to pose, and I will never forget it. I know he does this with all his fans, no matter what age, and I think that it's wonderful that he treats everyone the same, and makes us all feel special.
;D HE FELT SO HOT FROM BEING IN THE STUDIO ;D 
I was choked reading it, it is times like these that Gareth goes that extra mile for his fans and its what makes him so special and one of the reasons why we love him so much.
