Is De Burgh a miracle healer?

Pity poor Markus Babbel. First the Liverpool defender is struck down by a mystery virus which keeps him out of action for four months. Then he contracts a paralysing condition which could threaten his career. Finally, Chris de Burgh appears at his bedside and rubs his legs.

Babbel has Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare form of neuritis which paralyses parts of the body, and has been flown home to Germany for treatment. Hearing of his plight, the star interrupted his concert schedule in Munich and visited his hero.

Babbel, no doubt worried about missing Liverpool's Premiership title challenge, was surprised to see De Burgh standing in the doorway.

The singer presented him with a large crystal lamp. "This will create a better atmosphere in the room and support your well-being," De Burgh said. He then added: "I discovered 25 years ago that I have a very high energy potential and sometimes I can heal people with my hands." At this point he closed his eyes and stroked the helpless Babbel's paralysed legs. Displaying a high degree of diplomacy in difficult circumstances, Babbel said, yes, he could feel some warmth in his limbs.

However, a miraculous recovery failed to happen. "This needs longer, more intense treatment," De Burgh said ominously. Nonetheless, Babbel admitted it "was worth a try."

Little has previously been known of De Burgh's magic powers. Despite giving many interviews in his 20-year career, the only known example of his contact with "the other side" was in 1993 when he told his wife Diane, the inspiration for Lady In Red, not to move her spine if she should break her neck in a riding accident.

The next day she did just that and remembered his warning, thus saving herself from paralysis. At the time he said: "I've always had faith in a greater power."