Tributes follow Kerry's death

The first wheelchair-user to appear on X Factor, she helped Susan Boyle find the road to stardom. Now singer Kerry McGregor will be missed by all

Former X Factor contestant Kerry McGregor has died at the age of 37.

The singer, who was the first wheelchair-user to appear on the programme, was diagnosed with bladder cancer two years ago.

She leaves behind a seven-year-old son.  

Kerry appeared in the third series of X Factor which was eventually won by Leona Lewis. In a state­ment released on her website, her management said: “It is with deep sadness we announce that Kerry passed away at home, earlier today following a battle with cancer. At this time, our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.”

Her manager, Ewan Gallagher, said: “This is a desperately sad time for all Kerry’s friends and family. She was such a gifted singer and songwriter. She left more than 40 of her own songs unrecorded at her death.

“And she had forged a close friendship with Susan Boyle, who became very attached to Kerry because both are from West Lothian. Susan wrote in her autobiography that Kerry’s appearance on X Factor was what gave her the courage to appear on Britain’s Got Talent.  

“The pair were about to record a duet of Wings To Fly, which has only appeared as a bonus track on an album released by Susan in Japan. I’m sure it would have been a huge hit and the words have such poignancy. I don’t know what will happen with that project now.”  

Speaking on Twitter just after learning of the death, Simon Cowell said: “I just heard the sad news about Kerry McGregor. I really admired Kerry and my thoughts now go out to all of her family and friends.”

Sharon Osbourne, who was Kerry’s mentor on the X Factor show, said: “So sad about Kerry McGregor’s passing. Much love and respect to her and her family.”  

Kerry had recently become an ambassador for Action on Bladder Cancer (ABC), and her last tweet  spoke of her delight at joining the charity. Colin Bunce, who chairs ABC, said everyone was “deeply saddened”.  

He added: “She was a truly inspirational person who was deeply committed to helping raise awareness about bladder cancer, particularly to ensure that more people recognise the early warning sign of blood in the urine and so seek medical help earlier.  

“As our recently appointed Ambassador, we are extremely grateful for her enthusiasm and her valuable contribution to the work of ABC. Our thoughts are very much with her family at this time.”