The head of a national British charity has spoken out in praise of the thousands of fans who have made donations in memory of the late Boyzone singer, Stephen Gately.
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.
The singer, who tragically died while on holiday in Majorca, 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 the singer 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.”
For more information about the work of Caudwell Children visit www.caudwellchildren.com or telephone 0845 300 1348.
