Sir Elton John has been described as being "beyond thoughtful and kind" as he supported the family of a Newcastle friend who died of cancer.
The musician was a friend of Duncan Wallace, a Newcastle -born radio producer who worked on his hit Apple Music show Rocket Hour.
When Duncan was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour two years ago, Sir Elton checked in regularly with his pal.
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And the star has carried on calling his widow Katie since her husband's death in April, aged 39.
He told her: “We had the most wonderful relationship. Every night in my prayers to God, I say, ‘Give him a hug from me, will you?’.”
Katie, 39, who took on the Great North Run last weekend in memory of Duncan, said: “Throughout this horrible ordeal, Elton has been beyond thoughtful and kind, regularly calling to see how we’re coping. He’s such a lovely man.
“We just hope his support along with all the other well-wishers will make a difference, and save lives.”
Katie, from North Yorkshire, completed the 13-mile race last Sunday with relatives to raise more than £43,000 for charity – including a contribution from Elton, reports The Mirror.
She and Duncan ran it together when he was having treatment to buy more time with their two children Finn, seven, and Izzy, five. They raised £22,000 for Brain Tumour Research.
Paying tribute to Duncan, Elton, 74, said: “We had a blast working together. He’d turn me on to stuff and I’d turn him on to stuff. We were a great team and he is sorely missed.”
To sponsor Katie, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/katie-wallace9
