SURREY%20ROCKS%20-%20APRIL%202022 - Flipbook - Page 61
Simon Le Bon, renowned chefs and rugby players there,”
he says. “We love Barnes, we really do!”
A PASSIONATE
PHILANTHROPIC PERFORMER
From climbing Kilimanjaro for Comic Relief, to swimming
the Irish Sea, this big-hearted singer’s achieved amazing
things in the name of charity. And there’s one particular
cause that’s very close to this philanthropic performer’s
heart… “I set up the Marie Keating Foundation with my
family 23 years ago, after our mum passed away from
cancer,” he explains. “We’ve worked on that tirelessly...
It’s been a tough couple of years for charities to fundraise,
because of COVID.”
Ronan launched the first mobile unit in the UK to target
the general public with cancer prevention information,
highlighting how to reduce your cancer risk. He also
supports the Cancer Awareness Roadshows, which tour
around the UK.
As the Foundation’s Patron, the prolific philanthropist’s
proud to have pulled off the TV benefit gig ‘Concert4Cancer’
a couple of summers ago, featuring Gary Barlow, Brian
Kennedy, The Coronas and Kodaline. “We raised half a
million… it was phenomenal!”
TAKING A MOMENT FOR MIND
be able to see me each week on the sofa co-hosting the
BBC’s ‘One Show’,” he reveals. “I feel very lucky to be in
people’s homes across the UK each day on TV and radio,
but finally being back on stage is the thing that’s making
this year so special!”
Following such challenging times for us all, Ronan has a
very special message for readers of Surrey Rocks…
“Treasure your loved ones, treasure your kids, go that
extra mile and reach out to those people who really need
it. It’s been a grim couple of years and we need to just
spread the love as best we can. Health and happiness for
everybody!”
FACTBOX
For information about Cornbury Festival, visit:
www.cornburyfestival.com
Songs From Home is out now on Decca Records.
Listen live to Ronan on Magic at 105.4 FM, online at
https://planetradio.co.uk/magic/ or on demand via the
Magic Radio app.
The Marie Keating Foundation: www.mariekeating.ie
For further information, visit Ronan’s website:
www.ronankeating.com
Words by: celeb journalist Angela Sara West
© Angela Sara West 2022
Insta: @angela_sara_west
Alongside stars including Tom Jones, Sharon Osbourne,
Stephen Fry, Joanna Lumley and Helena Bonham Carter,
Ronan has also taken ‘A Moment for Mind’, the @
takeamoment4mind campaign instigated by renowned
Richmond-based photographer, Ray Burmiston.
AND CANCER RESEARCH
Donning their glad rags, Ronan and Storm hold an annual
star-studded Emeralds & Ivy Ball in aid of the Marie Keating
Foundation and in partnership with Cancer Research UK.
“We’ve hosted it for nearly 15 years now and have raised
around £12m, which goes to our mobile units travelling
around the country, giving a free service to people. They’re
back out on the road, which is fantastic because we feel
there’s going to be a huge spike now in cancer patients,
as people haven’t been able to go to hospitals and be
checked and diagnosed. So, it’s really important and we
can deal with this… and we’re out there trying to help
people.”
NEXT ON RONAN’S
RUNNING ORDER
Up next for Ronan Keating?
“I’m still loving being live on Magic’s Breakfast Show
every weekday morning with Harriet Scott, and you’ll still
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