Mandy Glancy, from Prestwich, watched the group pick up the prestigious award last night - finally putting their reputation as Britain's greatest rock underdogs behind them after 18 years together.
And she woke up this morning to the news the band, who formed at Bury College, had dedicated their win to Bryan and planned to give her the award for their hugely successful album The Seldom Seen Kid.
The band beat 11 others to win the award and £20,000 on Tuesday.
She plans to clear a space for it on her mantelpiece next to her favourite picture of Bryan, who met lead singer Guy Garvey as a teenager through their shared love of music.
He died two years ago aged 39.
Mandy, a volunteer at North Manchester General, said the news has left her stunned, initially making her cry but she is thrilled for Guy and the band.
Garvey happy to lose bet
Elbow remain true to their roots
She said: "I was so surprised; it is an incredibly generous thing to do, but so like the boys.
"It has given me real mixed emotions because I wish he could have been here to celebrate with them he would have been so pleased for them.
"Guy is such a lovely, caring person, he was like a brother to Bryan, always looking out for him. I am overwhelmed by what they have done and said and Bryan would be so chuffed.
"I was watching last night and I was delighted. I sent Guy a text to say good luck beforehand.
"He has always kept in touch with me.
"They are all so genuine and love their music - no one deserves it more than them, everyone is thrilled for them."
Bryan began performing at many of Manchester's most prominent venues in the 1980s, he was well known on the local music scene as a solo performer and for his collaborations with members of The Chameleons and I am Kloot.
He was also a member of 90s band The Mouth.
Bryan also toured the world with close friend David Gray, with whom he regularly performed.
David was one of Bryan's closest friends and picked him to be best man at his wedding.
Garvey happy to lose bet
Elbow remain true to their roots
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Such a loveley gesture from a group of talented musicians. Well done lads for remembering where you come from and all the best for the future.
What a lovely gesture from the band. A heartwarming story in amidst all the doom and gloom.
Bryan was my best mate through school. We learnt to play guitar together, laugh together, love music together, drink and grow up together. Mandy and Ken were my adult mates and confidantes. Nice one Elbow boys. Obviously good lads and love to you Mandy. Rich x
I got home from work the other day to find my girlfriend crying. When i asked her what was wrong she said she was so happy because she'd just heard a song on the radio by a band called 'Elbow or something'. Turns out she was crying tears of joy after hearing One Day Like This. True story.
They're a great band and to dedicate such a beautiful album to someone shows how much they must have loved Bryan.