Irish Jackson Memorial
Updated : Aug 7, 2009
Dublin is to get its very own Michael Jackson memorial service.
City officials have signed off the fun day, which is being organised by what is almost definitely Ireland's biggest Jackson fan.
Christine Dowling (30) appeared on stage with the late King of Pop in 1997 and says he helped her recover some power in her arm.
The Dubliner suffers from a disease which means her bones have failed to develop normally, but believes Jackson got her through some of the most difficult times in her life. And she now wants to do something in memory of the star who she was due to see perform in London last week.
Recalling her close encounter with the man she calls MJ, Christine told the Herald: "The security guard came to the wheelchair section looking for somebody small and my sisters said 'you won't find anybody smaller than her', so they lifted me, wheelchair and all, on to the stage.
"I was off-stage while he did Black and White and Earth Song and on for Heal the World."
Amazingly, Christine has also graced stages with the likes of Puff Daddy, Destiny's Child, Tom Braxton and Diana Ross the Herald reports.
But asked about her night in the RDS with Michael Jackson, she said: "That was the best night of my life."
After the performance, she says her right arm gained extra power that she still has today.
Christine, whose favourite song is Music in Me, says that Jackson's death "was like a death in the family".
"I woke up one morning and said I want to do something, even just plant a tree," she said, speaking about Saturday's memorial fun day.
With the help of family and friends, Christine has organised for part of Halston Street Park in Dublin 7 to be closed off for a blessing ceremony and tree planting.
There will also be a raffle of memorabilia, including custom-made diamond-studded white gloves, trademark hats and DVDs.
Any money raised will be donated to Our Lady's Children's Hospital in Crumlin, where Christine received much of her treatment.
