Gary Barlow 's baby Poppy is certainly in the thoughts of his fans, and band mates following a week from hell for the singer and his wife. Poppy was stillborn on Saturday (August 4, 2012), though his band mates have rallied around the couple in their time of need. The tragic news has taken its toll on the rest of the band too, who have known each other for over 20 years.
A source told the UK's Daily Mirror, "They are all utterly distraught for Gary. The boys are such a tight bunch and this has really knocked them all for six". Robbie Williams, whose wife Ayda is expecting their first child next month, said on his website, "My thoughts are with Gary, Dawn and family right now", while Mark Owen, Jason Orange and Howard Donald have also sent heartfelt messages of support. The source added, "They are all utterly distraught for Gary.The boys are such a tight bunch and this has really knocked them all for six. They will always be there for him". Dawn, 42, was two weeks away from her due date when Poppy arrived stillborn, leaving the family "devastated". In a statement, Barlow said, "Our focus now is giving her a beautiful funeral and loving our three children with all our hearts". The British singer-songwriter - who has enjoyed huge success since reforming Take That - is still undecided as to whether he will play the Olympics closing ceremony on Sunday evening (August 12, 2012). Locog - the organisers of the event - are refusing to confirm Take That's involvement, though the band are reportedly scheduled to sing 'Rule the World' as the cauldron is extinguished to end what by all accounts has been a hugely successful games. A source close to the group said, "Nothing has been decided yet. At the moment, the focus is on Gary".
Gary and wife Dawn are already parents to three children, Daniel 11, and daughters Emily, 9, and Daisy, 3. They married in 2000 after meeting when Dawn worked a dancer on Take That's Nobody Else tour in 1995.