But last week his nine-year-old daughter gave him his proudest moment by simply blushing.

Mia is autistic. Her social skills are limited and her reactions different to ‘normal’ children’s.

He says: “When the band got back together last year Mia learned all the songs and watched all the DVDs. She knows more Boyzone songs than me now.

“She developed a bit of a crush on Shane.

“All the band came to my house for the first time in ages last week. Mia walked in and as soon as she saw Shane she blushed.

“Now that might not seem much but to see my gorgeous girl react so normally made me more proud than any father in the world.

“It meant we had come so far with her. It was the cutest, most beautiful thing to witness. She is our mini-miracle.”

Keith is running the London Marathon on Sunday in aid of the National Autisism Society.

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Article published in The Sun, Saturday 24th April 2009.