Charity chief praises kindness of Boyzone fans

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 here.