Westlife's Shane Filan announces death of mum as 'saddest day' of his life

Описание: Westlife star Shane Filan has announced that his "incredible" mum has died.  The singer called it "the saddest day of my life" as he told his fans and followers the devastating news just before Christmas.  Shane, 40, tweeted a statement which read: "Yesterday, Sunday 15th of December was the saddest day of my life...  "My mother Mae who was an incredible beautiful women, wife, mother, grandmother & friend passed away peacefully surrounded by all her family."  He added: "I'd like to say thank you to everyone for all your well wishes at this time.  "To all the fans for all your support & lovely messages, thank you. Her funeral is a very private time for me & my family to grieve & I know you all understand & will respect that."  Shane also mentioned the 'beautiful and peaceful' care of Sligo North West Hospice who looked after his mother in her final days.  The singer's post had been flooded with messages of support and condolences.  "What a wonderful woman. Sending you all so much love," responded one fan.  Another replied: "Our thoughts are with you and your family, Shane… Sending you our love and condolences."  "Sending you and all the family so much love at this heartbreaking time," added a third.  Mae was a mum-of-seven and is survived by husband Peter and children Finbarr, Peter, Yvonne, Liam, Denise, Mairéad as well as Shane.  She was also a grandmother of 22.  And it was Mae who was pivotal in kick-starting Westlife's career - by giving eventual manager Louis Walsh a call and a push in the right direction.  The X Factor judge said previously in an interview with The Irish Independent: "She knew my mother. Mae was from Kiltimagh originally and was living in Sligo.  "Anyway, she rang me and said how good her son and the group were, and for some reason I believed her. Every mother says their son is brilliant. I believed Mae Filan.  "And I met them and there was something about them. They were rough around the edges."