Look To The Stars News: Ronan Keating

Fans Remember Boyzone Star By Giving To Charity

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Fans of Boyzone singer Stephen Gately, who died last week, have donated over $15,000 to a British children’s charity in his memory.

 Gately was a Goodwill Ambassador for Caudwell Children, a charity that focuses on donations to special children for medical treatment, therapy, specialized equipment, and dying wish holidays. Gately’s husband Andrew Cowles had requested that in lieu of flowers, fans could donate to his favourite charity.  

“It’s an amazing gesture for the charity and it sums up Stephen – he always thought of others first,” said charity spokesperson Trudi Beswick. “We’re already up to an amazing amount and hopefully we can buy wheelchairs and equipment and therapy for kids. It’ll be a lovely memory for everybody to remember him by. He was a fantastic goodwill ambassador for us. We really want to give feedback to everyone – to everyone that’s supported us, to Andrew, the family and everyone in Boyzone and thank them by showing them the children we’ve helped in a couple of months time.”

Gately’s funeral was attended by bandmates Ronan Keating, Keith Duffy, Mikey Graham and Shane Lynch, as well as many others. Messages of support were read out from George Michael, David and Victoria Beckham, Take That, U2 and Colin Farrell.

Gately was also an ambassador for British charity Missing People.

The Stars On Climate Change - What Do They Think?

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

October 15 marks the third annual Blog Action Day, when bloggers around the world focus on one prominent issue through individual ideas, actions, and thoughts.

This year’s topic is climate change, and Look To The Stars has delved into our archives to find 13 quotes relating to the thoughts of some of the most noteworthy celebrities who are devoted to finding solutions to global poverty.

Hugh Jackman: "You can’t separate the issues of climate change and poverty. They are inextricably linked. Having been to Ethiopia and seen these farmers, seen the battle they face from what is a problem that the developed countries have brought on many of these developing countries, there is a justice, there is a gap we need to fill.

I don’t do private jets. I try and do my best and I teach [sustainability] to my kids. Deb [wife Deborra-lee Furness] and I have brought in a company to say what we can do in our home – change light bulbs, etc."

Richard Branson: “Our generation has inherited an incredibly beautiful world from our parents and they from their parents. It is in our hands whether our children and their children inherit the same world. We must not be the generation responsible for irreversibly damaging the environment.”

Al Gore: “We face a true planetary emergency. The climate crisis is not a political issue, it is a moral and spiritual challenge to all of humanity. It is also our greatest opportunity to lift global consciousness to a higher level.”

KT Tunstall: “Stop completely twatting your planet. We haven’t got anywhere else to live.”

Leonardo DiCaprio: “Global warming is not only the number one environmental challenge we face today, but one of the most important issues facing all of humanity. We all have to do our part to raise awareness about global warming and the problems we as a people face in promoting a sustainable environmental future for our planet.”

Harrison Ford: “What we do today will set the course and the example for generations to come. I have four children and two grandsons. I feel responsible for tending to things I can affect as a private person, not as a celebrity. I can’t fix the world, but it’s our duty to help how we can. We have a moral responsibility for what we do as individuals. We have to accept it.”

Ronan Keating: “Climate change is a really big deal that all of us should be concerned about, because there’s no question that runaway climate change will endanger the lives of people, as well as animals.”

Desmond Tutu: “Climate change is the greatest human-induced crisis facing the world today. It is totally indiscriminate of race, culture and religion. It affects every human being on the planet.”

Phil Keoghan: “The biggest issue we face is that we continue to take the world’s resources without giving enough back in return. It’s a little like having a credit card and spending at large without thinking about how to your going to pay the bill. The solution will come from finding financial solutions to our environmental challenges. Right now many of those answers are locked away in the minds of young people. I have faith that we will find a way to create change.”

Melora Hardin: “The environment is really a serious issue, and it really doesn’t take that much to make a difference. I would just say that people should do whatever they can do – it’s good not to litter, it’s good not to pollute, it’s good to recycle when you can.”

Lucy Lawless: “There’s nowhere else for our kids and grandchildren to go. We need to get on with the business of tackling climate change.”

Keisha Castle-Hughes: “Our Pacific Island neighbours are suffering. I saw the real and devastating impacts of a changing climate: coral bleaching, homes battered by cyclones, erosion and food crops affected by rising sea levels… The locals were all extremely welcoming and happy to share their stories of how their daily lives have been impacted. It was a real eye-opener.”

Spinal Tap: “[We’ve] heard of global warming. Nigel thought it was just because he was wearing too much clothing, and if he took his jacket off it would be cooler.”

Charity Mourns Death Of Boyzone Singer

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The music and charity worlds are mourning the death of Boyzone singer Stephen Gately, who passed away on the Spanish island of Majorca on Saturday, October 10.

The singer was an ambassador of Missing People, a charity that provides support for missing children, vulnerable adults and families left in limbo.

“Stephen Gately was a compassionate man who was committed to using his popularity with young people to raise awareness of Missing People’s Runaway Helpline, and supporting families with missing loved ones,” the charity said in a release. "His support of the charity directly impacted many vulnerable adults, missing children and families across the UK. It is a very sad day for all those whose lives Stephen touched.

“The staff and volunteers at Missing People wish to send their collective sympathy to Stephen’s family, friends and colleagues.”

Other supporters of the charity include Richard Branson and Cliff Richard.

Boyzone members Ronan Keating and Keith Duffy are reportedly flying to Majorca, and we at Look To The Stars send the band and Stephen’s family our sincere condolences.

Anyone wishing to find out more about the Missing People charity should visit their website.

Big Stars To Hit The Stage Again At Rockwell

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:30:00 -0000

In 1990 some of the world’s biggest musicians put on one of the most important gigs of all time.

In aid of Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy, the event at Knebworth featured the likes of Robert Plant, Pink Floyd and Paul McCartney. An incredible line-up of former Silver Clef award winners performed to 120,000 fans in a show that raised over three million pounds.

Now nineteen years later a new generation are set to do it again at the O2 arena. Rockwell promises to be the star-studded musical event of the year with some of the world’s most influential musicians sharing a stage with the best of UK talent.

For one night only – September 11 – Rockwell will bring together some of the world’s biggest bands and musicians. Performing never-to-be-repeated collaborations at The O2 will be Ronan Keating, Lulu, Razorlight, Joss Stone, David Gray, Tom Jones, Robert Plant, Gabriella Cilmi, Supergrass and many more.

Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy is the UK’s largest specialist music therapy charity, providing over 35,000 therapy sessions a year through its National Centre in London and over 40 outreach projects nationwide. It also runs postgraduate training programs in music therapy and a research program with regular public courses and conferences.

Proceeds from the show will be donated to Nordoff-Robbins, and O2 customers will benefit from an exclusive priority ticket period on 3rd and 4th August, followed by a general release ticket sales period for non-O2 customers on Wednesday 5th August. To find out more and purchase tickets, click here.

Rod Stewart To Headline Butterfly Ball

Wed, 06 May 2009 13:29:00 -0000

A host of celebrity guests are slated to attend the glamorous Butterfly Ball in London this month, raising money for sick and disabled children in the UK.

Guests including the Charity’s Ambassador, Elizabeth Hurley, Danny Cipriani, Kelly Brook, Rachel Stevens, Ronan Keating and Bruce Forsyth are all expected to attend the annual Caudwell Children fundraiser.

Caudwell Children is the charity founded by Staffordshire entrepreneur-turned-philanthropist, John Caudwell, who personally funds all of the Charity’s administration and management costs, allowing every penny raised to be donated directly to the children.

In previous years, the annual fundraising event has been headlined by global superstars including Tina Turner and Whitney Houston, with this year being no different, as guests are set to enjoy an exclusive performance from British singer songwriter, Rod Stewart.

The generous singer, famed for hits including Maggie May, You Wear It Well and Sailing, has agreed to donate his appearance and perform at the ‘Butterfly Ball’ after learning about the work of the charity.

The exclusive performance at London’s Battersea Evolution on May 14th, will be in front of an impressive guest list of celebrities and charity supporters and will be the first performance in England by Stewart since appearing at the Princess Diana memorial concert at Wembley Stadium in 2007.

The high-profile fundraising event has become a landmark feature on the London social calendar, and has been successful in raising millions to provide vital specialist equipment, treatments and therapy for thousands of sick and disabled children living in the UK.

Mr Caudwell commented; “The Butterfly Ball is our flagship fundraising event and we are delighted so many guests have agreed to support us once again. It is set to be yet another electrifying night and the money raised will all go to support children who desperately need our help.”

In 2008 celebrity guests including Joan Collins, Buzz Aldrin, Kelly Rowland, Louis Walsh and David Furnish attended what is fast becoming the most anticipated charity event of the year and joined in raising a staggering £1.5million for the charity.

Caudwell Children is a UK charity based in Staffordshire that provides direct donations of treatments, therapies and specialist equipment throughout the UK. To date the charity has donated over £10 million to thousands of children with over 160 different medical conditions.

Details about the glamorous event are available by visiting www.caudwellchildrenbutterflyball.co.uk or by calling the charity on 01782 600113.

About The Butterfly Ball
Earlier this year Caudwell Children announced that their flagship fundraising event, formerly known as ‘The Legends Ball’ and ‘The Bedrock Ball’, had been renamed ‘The Butterfly Ball’ in honour of charity beneficiary, 8-year-old Tilly Griffiths who has Spinal Muscular Atrophy, and raised thousands of pounds for the charity by auctioning a handmade picture. It was at the 2008 Battersea event that Tilly Griffiths presented her magical handmade picture depicting the Caudwell Children mascot releasing butterflies into the air. The artwork was then auctioned in front of the 900 guests, touching the hearts of the audience and raising a staggering £340,000.

About Caudwell Children
To date Caudwell Children has donated over £10 million to thousands of children with 160 medical conditions

Founder and Chairman John Caudwell has been committed to raising vitally needed funds for children in desperate need since the mid 1990s. Caudwell Children was registered in March 2000 is widely recognised as one of the country’s fastest growing children’s charities. In 2007 the charity doubled every pound raised, achieved through partnerships, negotiation and intangible income, which means every pound donated works even harder. What makes the charity so unique is that all the management and administration costs are covered by John meaning every penny raised can go directly to the cause.

Caudwell Children pledges to continue to make donations to specific child cases of sickness, specialist medical requirements and dying wish holidays and to buy or build a property to help aid children/children’s charities.

Celebrities Run For Charity In London Marathon

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Tens of thousands of people pulled on their running shoes and sweated their way through the annual London marathon yesterday, including a number of celebrities who were competing for charity.

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay was one of many who lined up at the start for his 10th time at the event. He ran once again for the Scottish Spina Bifida Association, an organization that supports, listens to and helps children, adults and families with spina bifida, hydrocephalus and related conditions.

“It’s time for a celebration,” he said. “We’re fighting a global credit crunch, and in terms of coming out and having fun, it costs nothing to come and watch.”

Also competing were British model Katie Price and husband Peter André, who ran for children’s charity Vision and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.

“I don’t think you can ever be prepared for the marathon,” said Price, who raised over £250,000 for her charity. “It’s not a normal distance to run.”

“We’ve done the training,” added André. “Physically we may be up for it but I think psychologically is where we struggle.”

Other celebrities to take part included Boyzone singers Keith Duffy, who ran for autism awareness, and Ronan Keating – who ran for Cancer Research UK – as well as British cyclist Chris Boardman, who won gold in the 1992 Olympics and ran for The National Autistic Society, and weather girl Isobel Lang and 2002 Big Brother winner Kate Lawler, who competed for Cancer Research UK.

Last year’s event raised £46.7 million for charity.

Justin Timberlake To Climb Kilimanjaro For Charity

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Justin Timberlake is to climb Mount Kilimanjaro for charity.

The pop singer has been recruited – along with rapper Lupe Fiasco – by Ethiopian-born pop star Kenna for the mission, to raise awareness of the world water crisis.

This latest charity attempt on Africa’s highest mountain follows the successful climb carried out by a group of British and Irish stars earlier this year, including Take That’s Gary Barlow and Boyzone’s Ronan Keating. Their climb raised over £3,326,142 for Comic Relief.

Timberlake’s climb has a special significance for Kenna, whose hits include Out Of Control.

“My dad almost died as a child from waterborne diseases in Ethiopia, and he had talked to me about digging a well there, and I thought, ’I have too many friends who would be concerned with the subject of clean water,” he said. “Maybe I can help out.’”

And it is a challenge Lupe Fiasco is looking forward to: “I’m an adventure junkie. Part of the motivation is beating Kenna to the top. Sabotaging his tent, taking the lining out of his coat, lacing it with ants or something like that. [The water crisis in Africa] is a universal problem; it’s all mounting to the point where eventually there’s no clean water left. If I did a song, it would be jam-packed with so much information, it would almost be like we fit the substance of an entire interview in three and a half minutes.”

The climb is expected to take place later this year.

Red Nose Day TV Special Breaks Records

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

BBC’s Red Nose Day television extravaganza, Funny For Money, raised over £57 million (US$80 million) on Friday night, breaking the previous record of £40 million set in 2007.

Presented by David Tennant, Davina McCall, Alan Carr, Jonathan Ross and others, Funny For Money aired on March 13 on BBC One and Two and featured comedy items performed by Jennifer Saunders, Joanna Lumley, Robbie Williams, David Walliams, Matt Lucas, Ricky Gervais, Harry Enfield, Peter Crouch, David Beckham, Ronnie Corbett, Sadie Frost, and Kate Moss.

A special version of Top Of The Pops featuring performances by U2, James Morrison and Oasis – as well as Tom Jones and Rob Brydon singing the official Comic Relief single, Islands In The Stream – also aired as part of the extravaganza. The Islands In The Stream single has just topped the UK charts, which will bring in more cash for the cause.

Supermarket chain Sainsbury’s – which sold the official Comic Relief merchandise – handed over a cheque for over £9 million to the show’s presenters during the evening, the single largest donation ever made in the event’s 11 year history. Another £20 million as donations keep coming in.

Celebrity Kilimanjaro climbers Alesha Dixon, Ben Shephard, Cheryl Cole, Chris Moyles, Denise Van Outen, Fearne Cotton, Gary Barlow, Kimberley Walsh and Ronan Keating also made an appearance, and it was revealed that their efforts had raised £3,326,142 for Comic Relief.

‘It is just incredible to see such a huge amount of money given by the public again on Red Nose Day," said Comic Relief co-founder Richard Curtis. "Red Nose Day is 21 years old this year and its success is down to the unrelenting support and ingenuity of our supporters – it belongs not to the comedians, but to the people who give. It’s wonderful that, in more difficult times, people seem to understand that the need increases for people whose lives were impossibly tough in the first place. The work this money funds helps change and save lives all over Africa and the United Kingdom. A huge heartfelt thank you to everyone who has helped to make this year’s Red Nose Day such a memorable and brilliant campaign."

The evening also featured appearances from Annie Lennox and Take That.

Red Nose Day TV Special To Tickle BBC Funny Bones

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Today, March 13, is Red Nose Day in Britain – the major fundraising event of the year for Comic Relief. And to celebrate, celebrities young and old will appear in a TV extravaganza being screened tonight on BBC One and Two.

Presented by David Tennant, Davina McCall, Alan Carr, Jonathan Ross and others, Funny For Money will feature the last ever French & Saunders film parody – a version of Mamma Mia! performed by Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders – plus comedy items performed by Robbie Williams, David Walliams, Matt Lucas, Ricky Gervais, Harry Enfield, Peter Crouch, David Beckham, Sadie Frost, and Kate Moss. There will also be an appearance from Annie Lennox.

As part of the show, Comic Relief will also present a special version of Top Of The Pops that will feature performances by U2, James Morrison and Oasis, as well as Tom Jones and Rob Brydon singing the official Comic Relief single, (Barry) Islands In The Stream.

The show will also a special appearance by the celebrity climbers who scaled Mount Kilimanjaro last week. The group – including Take That’s Gary Barlow, Ronan Keating, Girls Aloud’s Kimberley Walsh, Cheryl Cole, singer Alesha Dixon, television presenters Fearne Cotton and Ben Shephard, West-End star Denise Van Outen and radio DJ Chris Moyles – reached the summit of the 19,300ft (5,900m) peak as dawn broke on Saturday, March 7. They featured in their own BBC One documentary last night, and also met with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who has pledged £2 million to the charity.

“It has been a privilege for the whole team to meet the Prime Minister … and under such special circumstances,” said Barlow. “To think that our efforts on the mountain and the incredible generosity of the public have inspired school children and have now been supported by the Government is unbelievable. If the money raised can help control malaria and also help poor and vulnerable people in the UK, it will all have been worthwhile. What an unforgettable day.”

The Funny For Money TV special runs from 7pm to 1:30am. Viewers will have the chance to pledge money to go towards helping people in the UK overcome poverty, mental health issues, domestic violence and other issues, and people in Africa affected by AIDS, malaria, conflict and more.

Celebrity Climbers Summit Mount Kilimanjaro

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The group of celebrities attempting to climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro have reached their target.

The group – which includes Gary Barlow, Ronan Keating, Girls Aloud’s Kimberley Walsh, Cheryl Cole, singer Alesha Dixon, television presenters Fearne Cotton and Ben Shephard, West-End star Denise Van Outen and radio DJ Chris Moyles – reached the summit of the 19,300ft (5,900m) peak as dawn broke on Saturday, March 7.

The group climbed the mountain to raise awareness and money for Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day, which will take place on March 15.

Several members of the team suffered from altitude sickness during the ascent, with Barlow being hampered by a back injury he suffered during training for the climb. According to Comic Relief, they endured sleepless nights and aches and pains due to the lack of oxygen.

“Cheryl for one has already said she’s never done anything so mentally and physically demanding and I doubt anyone in the team will disagree,” reported the official blog of the climb. “A temperature of minus 15 and air so thin your lungs positively burn with disappointment every time you take a breath means you can’t stop long.”

The climbers raised over £1.4 million for Comic Relief, and the climb will feature in a documentary to be shown on Red Nose Day.

Support The Stars As They Climb Kilimanjaro

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

As reported earlier by Look To The Stars, a group of celebrities have just set off to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa for charity, and they need your support.

Ronan Keating, Gary Barlow, Cheryl Cole, Girls Aloud’s Kimberley Walsh, singer Alesha Dixon, television presenters Fearne Cotton and Ben Shephard, West-End star Denise Van Outen and radio DJ Chris Moyles are currently taking part in the climb up Africa’s highest peak to raise money for Comic Relief.

“I went to Africa for Comic Relief 18 months ago and the images from that trip have stayed with me and made me want to do something big to make a difference and raise money,” said Take That’s Gary Barlow. “The other people on the climb feel similarly, so it made sense to ask them to join me. I have chosen the people I want to be stuck on the side of a mountain with, even if we are the least likely you would expect to find there.”

The nine famous climbers have already garnered the support of celebrities, and now they need your help. To sponsor the team and raise awareness and funds for those in need, head over to the official Mount Kilimanjaro Climb website.

Here’s what your sponsorship will help:

£1 could pay for a personal safety alarm to help protect a woman against being raped or attacked. For women who have been through this trauma, an alarm can help to restore their confidence when out on the streets.

£2 is all it takes to provide 20 lonely older people with a cup of tea when they get together at a special project that helps them feel far less alone.

£5 could buy a toy for a child who has nothing after fleeing their home with their mum because of domestic violence.

£10 could pay for emergency food vouchers and toiletries for a vulnerable young homeless person.

£30 could pay to take a young carer on an outward bounds activity day, giving them a much-needed break from their caring duties and allowing them to simply be children having fun together for a day.

£50 could pay for the delivery of a school workshop that teaches young people how to use the internet safely and protect themselves from sexual exploitation or abuse.

So get behind the team and support them today.

British Stars Voice Talking Clock For Charity

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A group of British celebrities have donated their voices to charity in a unique way. Callers to British Telecom’s talking clock this month will have the time read to them by members of Girls Aloud and Take That.

Among the stars to take part in the campaign to raise money for Comic Relief are Cheryl Cole, Kimberley Walsh, Gary Barlow, Chris Moyles and Fearne Cotton.

BT will donate 10p from every speaking clock call made from a BT fixed line in the UK up to March 23. British callers should dial 123 for the service.

Some of the stars are also taking part in a charity challenge to climb Mount Kilimanjaro later this month.

Along with Ronan Keating, they will take part in an eight-day trek in Tanzania to raise money for Comic Relief, which will be filmed and aired in the run up to Red Nose Day on 13 March.

The celebrities leave at the end of February.

Sir Ian Botham Swings A Club For Leukaemia Research

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

English sports legend Sir Ian Botham swapped his cricket bat for a golf club in a recent tournament that raised over US$100,000 for charity in Spain.

The former cricket captain – who completed his twelfth long-distance walk through Britain for charity in October – was among a host of professional sports stars who played in the Sir Ian Botham Charity Golf Classic at the Desert Springs Resort and Golf Club last month to raise money for Leukaemia Research.

As well as leading a golf tournament that featured Ian Woosnam, Dennis Taylor, Steve Cram, and Matt Dawson, Sir Ian also hosted a gala dinner and auction that included lots such as the chance to play a round of golf at Desert Springs with 2006 Ryder Cup Captain and US Masters Champion Ian Woosnam OBE, and the opportunity to attend a private dinner at Coutts Bank with Sir Ian Botham.

“The commitment of my sporting celebrity friends to give up their time and the players that have entered the event will guarantee, great golf, great fun, great friendship and most of all, the raising of those much needed funds for the charity of which I am President, Leukaemia Research,” said Sir Ian.

The golf tournament followed a similar event hosted by Sir Ian and Boyzone’s Ronan Keating in Scotland in September.

Children In Need Concert Makes History

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

British broadcasters Terry Wogan, Tess Daly, and Fearne Cotton hosted the annual BBC Children in Need charity concert on Friday, November 14.

The epic seven hour show featured performances from the Sugababes, Boyzone, Leon Jackson, McFly, the Stereophonics, John Barrowman, Il Divo, Jason Donovan Russell Watson, Alesha Dixon, Razorlight, Sharleen Spiteri and many others. Girls Aloud also made a special appearance, and there were surprise contributions from Ozzy Osbourne, Jack Black, Will Young, Richard Hammond, and Stevie Wonder. Take That donated £250,000 from their ticket sales and a recent Marks and Spencer modeling deal.

But perhaps the funniest highlights of the night came from a performance of Abba hits from six BBC newsreaders. The cast of Eastenders also took to the stage for a song and dance.

A total of £20,991,216 had been raised at the end of the broadcast making it likely that donations could be higher than last year’s total of £37 million.

“I am completely overwhelmed by the way the country has come together in support of BBC Children in Need, demonstrating such generosity in these tough times, and I’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone involved,” said David Ramsden, BBC Children in Need chief executive. “We can now focus our attention on finding more great projects that can change young lives for the better.”

British Stars To Climb Kilimanjaro For Comic Relief

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Ronan Keating, Gary Barlow and Cheryl Cole are to join a host of other British celebrities to climb Mount Kilimanjaro for Comic Relief next year.

According to reports in Britain’s The Sun newspaper, the stars will join Girls Aloud’s Kimberley Walsh, singer Alesha Dixon, television presenters Fearne Cotton and Ben Shephard, West-End star Denise Van Outen and radio DJ Chris Moyles for the climb up Africa’s highest peak.

4,000 people attempt to climb Kilimanjaro every year, although only 1,400 actually reach the top of the 5,895 meter peak. Around 100 climbers die of altitude sickness on the mountain every year, so it will be no walk in the park for the stars.

“Since visiting Africa with Comic Relief a year ago, I haven’t been able to forget how easy it is for someone in my position to help change the lives of poor and vulnerable people by raising money,” said Kimberly Walsh. “When Gary approached me and Cheryl about doing the climb, I didn’t think twice.”

Sharleen Spiteri Gigs With Autistic Children

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Scottish singer Sharleen Spiteri lent her support to Nordoff-Robbins last week when she visited a school that integrates children with autism into classes and provides music therapy as part of their lessons.

The 41-year-old lead singer of Texas played a few tunes for children at Hopefield Primary in Bonnyrigg, Scotland, to raise awareness of music therapy in schools.

“It was great to do a song with the kids playing along on their drums, shakers and bells,” Spiteri told the Sunday Mail in the UK. "It ended up being a lot easier than some big gigs I’ve done where thousands of fans clap along out of time. That’s an absolute nightmare. Playing to a bunch of kids who were totally into the music was both satisfying and very humbling. But that’s the power of music. I was a total stranger but music brought us together.

“It was interesting to discover how so much of the touchy-feely element of music – the vibrations of hitting a drum or holding an instrument against the skin – meant to the children. That’s what we do as musicians… we go on constantly about feel and rhythm. It was extraordinary to see it actually work for them and hear from their parents how much of a difference music makes to their lives.”

The singer also took part in the BBC Children in Need charity concert on Friday, November 14, which also featured the Sugababes, Boyzone, and many others.

Jodie Kidd To Hold Charity Golf Tournament

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

British model Jodie Kidd is hosting her second annual charity golf tournament on July 21.

The event, which is to take place at the legendary Goodwood estate in West Sussex, will raise money for the Jodie Kidd Foundation – an umbrella organization the model established in 2007 to satisfy her overwhelming desire to help the charities she supports.

Last year’s event raised over $200,000 for three charities: the Monsoon Accessorize Trust, which assists disadvantaged children in South Asia; the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children; and Greatwood, specialists in the rehabilitation of injured and neglected horses. All three charities will also benefit from this year’s tournament.

Last year’s tournament attracted a large number of celebrities, including Ronan Keating, Pat Cash, Jimmy Tarbuck, and James Nesbitt. The 2008 lineup will be announced soon.

For more information on how to participate, visit www.thejodiekiddfoundation.co.uk, or email Emma Gragson at info@thejodiekiddfoundation.co.uk.

Stars Pound The Pavement In London Marathon

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 06:51:45 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

35,000 people set off through the English rain yesterday in the third biggest London Marathon ever held. And a handful of celebrities slipped on their running shoes, polished off their pedometers, and sweated their way along the 26 mile course for charity.

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay managed to compete in his ninth marathon with very little of his trademark bad language, and completed the race in just under three hours.

“It doesn’t get any easier,” said the Michelin-star winner, who was raising money for Spina Bifida research. “There were thousands who came out – they were fantastic.”

Actress Amanda Holden – whose show, Britain’s Got Talent, has just returned to TV – also braved the blisters for a good cause. The 37-year-old ran the event to raise money for the Born Free Foundation, of which she is patron. She trained for six months for the marathon, during which she set up a website for people to follow her training and sponsor her effort. She raised over $12,000 from sponsors, including pledges from Simon Cowell ($2,000) and Piers Morgan ($2,002).

Other celebrities puffing their way through the streets of London included Ronan Keating and former Big Brother winner Kate Lawler, who raised thousands for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

Jamie Oliver's Charity Dinner Raises £225,000

Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:17:11 -0000

Written by Steve Purcell

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver hosted his Fifteen Foundation’s annual fund-raising dinner in London on December 5th, raising £225,000 ($457,000) to help train unemployed youths for careers in the restaurant business.

Disadvantaged would-be chefs are taught the trade in the Foundation’s “Fifteen” restaurants located in London, Amsterdam, Melbourne and western England.

“We’re trying to build a training kitchen above Fifteen to help the local community, and we’d like to increase the number of apprentices each year to 45 from about 20 to 25,” Oliver told Bloomberg before the event.

“We need a lot of dosh but it’s not only about the money. This is a chance for us to tell high- profile people what we’re trying to do. We’re helping kids from tough backgrounds and events like this help us to get to the next level.’’

Entertainment for the event was provided by ex-Boyzone singer Ronan Keating.

“Jamie’s a good friend of mine and I’m delighted to be here,‘’ Keating, said. "With him, it’s not about fame, it’s not about celebrity, it’s about helping people."

Fifteen Foundation apprentices prepared a sumptuous meal for the event. One trainee, 21-year-old Portia Eyeson, said “Fifteen has been very good for me. I heard about it through the [”Centrepoint":http://www.looktothestars.org/charity/423-centrepoint] hostel for the homeless."

Children in Need

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 12:27:27 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

The stars have lined up for the 2007 Children in Need Appeal, the BBC’s annual TV charity event. Airing tonight on BBC One, the evening of special programming will be hosted by Terry Wogan, and will feature special live performances by the Spice Girls in LA, Kylie Minogue, Westlife, Annie Lennox, David Gray and Sugababes.

The Spice Girls are also helping out by donating funds from their new single “Headlines (Friendship Never Ends)”. [Amazon: CD, MP3]

Irish boy band Boyzone have reformed for the event; the band split seven years ago when lead singer Ronan Keating went solo.

Last year’s appeal brought in £33 million ($66 million) for the charity, which strives to improve the lives of disadvantaged children.

As we are reporting in other news today, Children in Need is also one of the beneficiaries of a new fundraising book of celebrity handprints.

Formula 1 Charity Auction Tops $10 Million

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 12:47:06 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

The British Grand Prix weekend began earlier this month with performances at London’s Royal Albert Hall by Lemar and Beverley Knight, Mica Paris, Run DMC and Ronan Keating, followed by an auction to raise money for CLIC Sargent, the UK’s leading children’s cancer charity. Over $10 million was raised, with Formula One memorabilia and a Pablo Picasso print among the top earners at the auction.

Alex Waters, 20-year-old British Formula 3 racing driver, raised over $350,000 when he auctioned 22 signed caricatures of leading F1 racers, drawn by their team mates. F1 Racing Magazine editor Matt Bishop says, “These drawings are a totally unique, highly collectible lot, and to our knowledge, this is the first time that a full complement of World Championship F1 drivers have penned sketches of each other and made the originals available as a complete set for charity.”

Mr Waters has pledged to donate half of all sponsorship money he raises to the children’s cancer charity that supported him and his family while he was being treated for cancer. Every day 10 children and young people are diagnosed with cancer or leukaemia in the UK.

Former F1 team boss Eddie Jordan thanked bidders for their generosity. “We promised that a centre would be opened in London to support those families touched by cancer and we are absolutely thrilled that our dream can now become a reality.”

Botham Knighted For Fundraising Efforts

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 07:21:46 -0000

Written by Gavin Fearnley

British cricket legend Ian Botham has been knighted in recognition of his outstanding fundraising efforts.

The all-rounder is estimated to have raised around £10m (around $20m) for Leukaemia Research through a series of long-distance charity walks.

The 51-year-old became the first player to score 5,000 runs in the sport that made him famous.

Speaking after the Queen’s Birthday Honours were announced he said he was “delighted”.

He cites as his inspiration a chance visitation to a children’s ward whilst recovering from a toe injury, admitting he was shocked to learn some of the youngsters had just weeks to live.

Botham has since completed eleven walks, starting in 1985 with a gruelling 1500 kilometre hike spanning the length of Britain from John o’ Groats to Land’s End.

That fundraising has continued since and earlier this month he headed an all-star golfing day at Scotland’s Gleneagles Hotel.
The event, in Perthshire, was co-hosted by former Boyzone front man Ronan Keating.

Ozzy Headlines Prince Charles Charity Gig

Sun, 21 May 2006 10:44:28 -0000

Written by Steve Purcell

An all-star music concert was held in London yesterday to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Prince’s Trust charity.

Leading the line-up was veteran rocker Ozzy Osbourne, and other music acts included the Bee Gees, Lionel Richie, Annie Lennox, Ronan Keating, Pink and Embrace. Illusionist David Blaine also appeared.

Thanks to the Prince’s position, the 2000-strong audience was able to enjoy the concert in a unique setting: the grounds of the Tower of London.

The Prince’s Trust helps disadvantaged children reach their potential.

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