Incredible dedication to American rock icon Bruce Springsteen has taken Deal fan Lynne Weller around the world in his footsteps over half her lifetime.

After a devastating life change a year ago, she says her most recent close encounter with the music legend in London has been a crucial turning point, giving her new hope as she rebuilds her future.

Lynne, 53, of The Grove, had a photograph taken with Bruce outside Claridge's hotel where they were both staying.

The occasion was the premier of his boxed set The Promise at London's South Bank, an event at which Bruce's attendance was kept under tight wraps until the last minute.

Being there had special significance for ultra canny fan Lynne who had been keeping in close contact with fan forums, reporting on the rock star's every move.

Links to the devoted network has been essential in enabling Lynne to attend a staggering 99 Bruce Springsteen gigs since 1985, around the world: all over the USA and across Europe. This feat is all the more remarkable as Lynne will not fly and to date has had to resort to land or sea to travel.

Until this year, Bruce Springsteen was a passion Lynne shared with her now estranged husband. Their marriage had ended suddenly, and as far as she was concerned totally unexpectedly, immediately after the pair had seen Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band in Ireland in July 2009.

Her journey as a fan has led to her meeting the musician on a number of occasions and forging a wonderful new network of fellow enthusiasts as friends.

* For full story buy the East Kent Mercury this week.