Ronan, family and friends raise funds at charity gala

Former Boyzone front man and now superstar soloist Ronan Keating enlisted the help of family and friends as he linked up with two Spain-based charities to help raise money for the charity named after his mother Marie, who died of breast cancer in 1998.

A gala dinner at Marbella’s Gran Melia Don Pepe luxury hotel on Saturday was topped off by an acoustic set from the singer turned philanthropist.

His Marie Keating Foundation has joined forces with Global Gift Foundation founder Maria Bravo and the Cudeca Foundation to raise much needed funds for three worthy causes.

He told EuroWeekly: “I’m thrilled to be here. The amount of passion is phenomenal. We’re really proud to be on board.”

His friends giving their vocal support included singer Alesha Dixon, actor James Nesbitt, model and blogger Olivia Cox, model and DJ presenter Ashley James and TV presenter Laura Hamilton.

Alesha who was at the dinner with dancer boyfriend Azuka Ononye, told us: “It´s overwhelming sometimes, but if we all do something small it makes a difference. 

“It´s about doing the right thing and following your heart.”

The night rounded off a day that saw Ronan and friends out on the greens for the celebrity Global Gift Golf Tournament in Estepona.