Ronan sets off on Marathon charity walk
Pop star Ronan Keating today called on his fans to come out and support him as he began his marathon charity walk around Ireland.
The former Boyzone singer, who set off on his journey from the Giant’s Causeway on the Co Antrim coast, is aiming to complete the 420-mile journey and arrive at his destination, Kinsale in Co Cork, by June 8.
Before setting off he signed autographs for a crowd of fans who had turned up to wish him well.
During his walk he will be accompanied by a team of volunteers who will collect money on behalf of the Marie Keating Foundation and Action Cancer.
Father-of-two Ronan and his family set up the foundation five years ago in memory of his mother, Marie, who died from breast cancer.
As he began his walk accompanied by his wife, former model Yvonne, the singer said he hoped people would cheer him on and donate to the charity.
“We’ve had a great response so far, so I’m really hoping we get the support we need as we pass through each town,” he said.
“Volunteers will be out shaking their collecting tins, so I would urge everyone to come out and donate for this worthy cause.”
To prepare for the 20-mile a day hike, Ronan has trained regularly for a month and said he was ready for the challenge.
“I feel fitter than ever, but it’s a very tough challenge and I hope I make it,” he said.
“I’ll be walking up to 20 miles a day but it’s important to me to do this.”
He praised the support from hotels and guesthouses which have offered to put them up for free during the walk.
Ronan’s sister, Linda Keating, said they hoped to raise up to €140,000. All money raised in Northern Ireland will go to Action Cancer while funds collected in the Irish Republic would go to the foundation.
Linda said that despite heavy rain along the route, the public response had been fantastic.
“It’s going really well. Morale is great and the weather isn’t putting them back. The response is phenomenal,” she added.
The foundation was set up after Mrs Keating died of breast cancer in February 1998. Three years ago it provided three cancer information and awareness units which have visited more than 750 towns, cities and corporate sites on the island.
“The money will go towards maintaining our units,” said Linda. “We aren’t Government-funded so we depend on public donations and sponsorship.”
