A former pop star from Little Sutton has said she will treasure the memories of meeting the late, great Muhammad Ali forever.
Louise Fudge recalled her day with the boxing legend in New York while touring the world with girl band Supersister.
Since then, she has trained as a hairdresser and has opened up her own salon, Louise Fudge Hair and Beauty, on Chester Road in Little Sutton.
Ali is widely regarding as the greatest and most charismatic boxer, and indeed sportsman, of all time.
The former undisputed heavyweight champion of the world passed away at the age of 74 on June 3.
Louise said she experienced his famous charm first hand.
'Something money can't buy'
She said: “It is one of my most treasured experiences, something money can’t buy. I sat listening to the greatest boxer that ever lived and held his hand.
“Muhammad showed me his magic tricks and didn’t want to talk serious. He made me giggle. He had such a cheeky grin and a young sense of humour.
“I will always remember his words of encouragement towards my career and life, he told me to never give up and follow my heart.
“It was such an unforgettable day, they are memories that I will treasure forever.”
Born Cassius Clay, Ali reigned in perhaps heavyweight boxing’s finest era above his rivals Joe Frazier, George Foreman and Sonny Liston.
Equally it was his way with words outside the ring, including iconic quotes such as ‘Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee’, which made him such a compelling sporting icon.
The American was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1984, but continued his activism long into his retirement.
His funeral was held in his home town of Louisville, Kentucky, on June 10.
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