We arrived mid afternoon and enjoyed an endless supply of hospitality -  the day went by so fast.  Nina played me a version of Hollie singing Nessun Dorma that she is currently working on in a studio, and it was absolutely amazing. It would blow your socks off, I promise! If you were judging her as an adult singing it would sound amazing, but as an 11 year old girl – totally unbelievable.

We didn’t just talk about Hollie singing though – we had a normal, fun time. My children, Sam and Tomson, are each a year older than Josh and Hollie, and they all got on well together, playing on the trampoline, making noises with the amplifier and generally doing what children do – with a few exceptions. For example, whilst I was playing a Nightwish track for the Jason and Nina (I think Hollie would be great singing some of the Nightwish songs that  Tarja Turunen used to sing such as Ever Dream or Wishmaster), we could hear Josh playing the piano. Wow! Such an accomplished pianist, as is dad Jason. Josh will be entering Britain’s Got Talent next year, so let’s hope he gets through next time.

Meanwhile, my son Tomson is certainly looking forward to being asked what he did during the Summer holidays: “Oh, I met Hollie Steel!”

He was so looking forward to meeting Hollie and didn’t really believe it would actually happen until we arrived on her doorstep.

I took some photos whilst we were there, the best of which are contained in this article. Feel free to use them in your tribute videos to Hollie if you would like to

My children Tomson and Sam, with Josh and Hollie

Tomson and Hollie. Tomson, understandably, is looking very pleased.

Josh looking cool

Hollie treated us all to a live performance

Hollie trying on her school blazer in readiness for her return to school

This is me (Mandy) with Hollie

Me, my husband Andy, Nina and Jason