Archive for the ‘Stephen’ Category

BOYZONE’S devastated stars opened their hearts about how they’re coping with the tragic loss of Stephen Gately to tell the Daily Star: “There will always be the five of us.”

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Stephen’s family, friends and fans will gather in London tonight for a memorial concert in his honour.

The event will take place at the Palace Theatre and will be attended by some 1,000 friends, family and fans the concert has been organised by Stephen’s partner Andrew. Stephen’s parents Martin and Margaret and siblings Michelle, Mark, Alan and Tony are expected to be there along with the rest of the boyz.

The evening will be hosted by actor and entertainer Christopher Biggins and will feature singers including Beverly Knight, Liz McClarnon, Lee Ryan and Chesney Hawkes, along with the cast of West End musical Joseph, in which Stephen starred. Actor Sir Ian McKellen will read a poem.

Tributes are also expected from Cherie Blair, and comedians Paul O’Grady, Matt Lucas, Graham Norton and Alan Carr.

Ronan and Keith went to a U2 gig at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Sunday, Front man Bono dedicated a song to Stephen. Half way through “Unforgettable Fire”, he said, “Stephen Gately, a beautiful spirit. A bright shining star”……. Another fitting tribute from one of Stephen’s many freinds.

A week on from the funeral and Ronan, Keith, Mikey and Shane want all their fans to know how much all their love and support has been helping them get through this unbelievably difficult time. They have been overwhelmed by the thousands of condolence messages and take some comfort that Stephen was loved as much by the fans as his family and friends.

The above sentiments have been echoed by the head of national charity, Caudwell Children. The charity has spoken out in praise of the thousands of fans who have made donations in memory of Stephen.

Trudi Beswick, Chief Executive of Caudwell Children, for whom Stephen was a Goodwill Ambassador, said: “Everyone at the Charity is deeply touched and grateful for the overwhelming volume of fans and well wishers who have made donations in memory of Stephen.”

“This outpouring of kindness truly reflects Stephen as a person, someone who always wanted to help and please others. With heartfelt tributes and donations continuing to come into the Charity, Stephen’s memory will now live on in the life changing donations we are able to make to children who desperately need our help.”

The national charity, which provides specialist equipment, life saving treatments and therapy for sick and disabled children, was chosen by Stephen’s partner, Andrew Cowles to receive donations instead of flowers following his death.

Since the announcement, the Charity has received over £22,000 in donations from fans, friends and well wishers of the star. Every penny of the money received will be used to pay for donations to children living in the UK.

As a couple, Stephen and Andrew had attended numerous events in support of the Charity and Stephen had been officially named as a Goodwill Ambassador last year in recognition of the work he had done.

Stephen was also a close personal friend of the Charity’s founder, philanthropist John Caudwell and partner, Claire.

The Charity is now in talks about a potential memorial for Stephen and has confirmed that he will remain a Goodwill Ambassador for the Charity in memory of his work.

Mrs Beswick continued: “My heartfelt thanks go to everyone, right across the World, who has sent a message of support or donation to the Charity. It is a fitting tribute to a remarkable man.”

You can still donate to the charity at Stephen’s Just Giving page.

“On behalf of Steo’s Husband and family we would like to thank you all for all of your kind words, gestures and tributes over the last week. The level of support from the public, media and the music industry has been overwelming.

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