Bid to get Take That star Gary to 40th birthday party in Portsmouth

Now, she has been given the all clear and is hoping singer Gary Barlow will make an appearance at her 40th birthday party in June.

Karen is campaigning for the Take That star to come to her party.

Gary, who has surprised couples by appearing at their weddings, is planning to repeat the feat by singing at parties for fans celebrating milestone birthdays.

Karen, who grew up in Canada but now lives in Albert Road, Southsea, only became aware of Take That after they reunited in 2005.

She has seen them on tour twice and often listens to Gary’s music.

Now, she is hoping to get an extra special gift for her birthday.

She added: ‘I don’t normally celebrate my birthday but I think this is a good cause for celebration. Hopefully Gary will think so too.

‘It would be a brilliant way to celebrate everything that has gone on over the past few years. It would be exciting.’

And Karen said she would be very surprised if Gary did make an appearance at her party at Southsea Castle.

‘I would be really shocked if he just turned up,’ she said.

‘I think he’s an amazing singer, writer and artist. He does so much outside of music as well. Not many artists would do this for their fans.’

This year, Karen has been given the all-clear after she was diagnosed with stage three Hodgkin’s lymphoma in February 2013.

She then started chemotherapy which went on for six months and she has now been in remission for two-and-a-half years.

‘I’m quite lucky. I’m feeling positive and am looking forward to a fresh start,’ she said.

‘It is a relief. I’m looking forward to having my free time back.’

To support Karen, use the hastag #GetGaz4Kaz on Twitter.