Iconic Leftie, before going on date, given encouragement (7).
I believe this is 'cheered'. Can see 'red' might be leftie but can't get further inferences to 'iconic' and 'date' - any suggestions please or corrections!
Thank you - especially Brainiac for the full explanation - spent many hours pondering this - completely misled by 'red' at the end! Even thought about famous left-handers - would never have got there without your help.