Michael Jackson’s death has united millions in grief around the world. David Wilcock and Jacqui Walls recall the surreal day when the flawed genius touched the Westcountry

NO-ONE on Earth could have missed the news of Michael Jackson’s untimely death at the age of 50.

Though the superstar's passing happened thousands of miles away, his music touched the people of the Westcountry – and many will remember the time the self-styled King of Pop visited the region.

It was in 2002 when Jackson arrived in Exeter for a charity appearance launched by his friend, celebrity spoon bender Uri Geller. Illusionist David Blasine was also there to add to the surreal air in the city that day.

The Western Morning News' Martin Hesp was in Exeter at the time, to see whether the star's much anticipated – and advertised – arrival was more than just a massive hoax.

He recorded the event in the WMN, writing: "The cars slipped through and we were on our way to the stadium. Oh what a sight that was. Thousands filled the stands. I was in the same row as the most enthusiastic Jackson fan this side of Stockholm.

"Several folk in seats around me said that there had been a general feeling the whole thing was going to be a mock-up with a stand-in.

"And then, the oddest moment of them all. The superstar came into the ground sitting under an umbrella on the back shelf of a veteran open car. Jumped out, nearly fell over, and picked up the nearest kid. The crowd went mad. Exeter was on the map again as TV crews sent live outside broadcast signals around the world.

"Jackson cut an odd figure – as he darted about in a black cat suit adorned with a rather ornate pattern covering his shoulders.

"Michael made a long, rather rambling speech – full of good stuff about kids with Aids, racism, malaria and war. And then off he went in the evening sunlight. Exeter was amazed."

Former Exeter City chairman Ivor Doble met Jackson during the visit. He said yesterday it was "very sad" to hear of his death. "He was only at the club a short time but in that short time, I appreciated what sort of man he was and I was quite surprised what a quiet, timid character he was.

"I just felt sorry for him. I thought he was a gentle man.

"I feel very upset by his death – he was just a young man. It is a very sad day for everybody who appreciates his music."

Uri Geller, one of Jackson's closest friends, said he was worried the pressure of the upcoming tour could have got to him. The star was due to embark on a 50-date tour at the O2 Arena in London this summer.