The Importance of the Charity 'Cardiac Risk in the Young'

Back on 18th July 2010 a group of fans took park in the CRY - Bridges Walk to help raise awareness of undiagnosed heart conditions in memory of Stephen. It was a lovely event in which we are prepared to do again next year. We as Stephen's fans didn't go unnoticed by other walkers who happily approached us to ask questions and the charity itself who mentioned us at the beginning of the walk on the main stage.

(the fans before the CRY Bridges Walk 2010)

They wrote an article about Stephen which featured in 'Cardiac Risk in the Young' update 51 magazine page 63 (Jan-April 2010). A snippet from the article read with the headline: Heart Screening Boost - Organisers believe that the passing of Stephen could boost the attendance at heart screening clinics. They are hopeful that some teenagers and young adults who otherwise wouldn't have considered having their health checked will now go along for screening. Mrs Gard, CRY's divisional representative for the East of England said, ever since the sudden death of Stephen Gately, screening events around the country have been especially well supported due to increased awareness that this can happen to anyone and not just those involved in sport.

Today I experienced first hand just how important the money raised at events like the CRY Bridges Walk actually is as I attended a heart screening appointment at a unit local to me. It was free and took up very little time. I had registered online shortly after I heard about it a couple of months ago. A week or two before the screening they send you a confirmation email which also contained a couple of forms asking some straight forward health related questions that you fill out and take to the appointment with you.

They inform you of what to expect beforehand so you are not left wondering. The staff running the unit were professional, friendly and talkative which really helps put people at ease. The procedure itself only took a few minutes and the results are then passed to a consultant who you see before you leave so there is no waiting around to receive results through the post. To my relief my results were clear but I would definitely urge others in the specified age bracket to look out for CRY units in their local area in the future... it could put your mind at rest and even save your life!

Shez @ Steo's Superfanz

'Loved for a Reason' charity party

We are extremely happy with how the party went on 23rd October 2010 and we would like to say a huge thank you to those who attended. As it was our first attempt at hosting a party like that, we were a little unsure of what to expect. We hadn't sold as many tickets as we had hoped so all we could do was wait and see what would happen. We needn't have worried though as the whole night was a success.

I nice group of people turned up, food and wine was flowing and people were generally enjoing themselves and mingling well. Our raffle went down a treat with some fab prizes, we had Boyzone and Steo songs playing and had a rather evil quiz in which the winning team won superman mugs.

(Our selection of raffle prizes)

(The winning quiz team and their mugs)

Our special guests were the lovely Pat and Phyllis, Stephen and Andrew's very good friends who were happy to talk to anyone that approached them. After reading out a "sorry I can't be here" message from Andy he turned up shortly afterwards with Admin (from Stephen Gately official) and surprised us all :)

We ended the night with a good old boogie and some of us went on to party until the early hours. We raised £732.56 for Caudwell Children which was kindly doubled by Andy to make a whopping £1,465. We are hoping to make it an annual event so we are looking forward to seeing some new faces next year... who's up for it?

Organisers: Shez, Silvia, Gemma, Debbie, Freya, Betina & Julia

'The Tree of Seasons' Fan Book Launch

If you were one of the lucky ones who attended the book launch for 'The Tree of Seasons' Sunday 9th May, then you will already know what a lovely event it was. Considering it was all arranged at such short notice, Andrew and Admin (April Nelson) did a great job with finding a suitable venue and allocating tickets. Everyone was in good spirits when they arrived and not really knowing what to expect. We eagerly awaited the introduction and welcome talk from Admin and then listened attentively to what Andrew had to say.

Andrew being a warm and genuine person added a little humour which put the fans at ease and then explained how Stephen had never made it to number 1 as a solo artist. He said "lets get the boy to number 1" to which the fans responded with claps and cheers.

Special guests Pat and Phyllis, good friends of Stephen's and Traveot Jary who starred alongside Stephen in the theatre production of 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat' all read extracts from 'The Tree of Seasons' along with Andrew. They all added their unique style of story telling; Phyllis being the most amusing when she thought she was unable to do it due to a fit of giggles.

Phyllis the butcher and Pat the baker :)

Andrew Cowles

Traveot Jary

We were then given the opportunity to purchase the book that we had been waiting to get our hands on for a long time and get it signed by Andrew and Keith Wilson, the talented artist that provided the illustrations for 'The Tree of Seasons'. Stephen had taken an instant liking to his work before he passed away and decided it was just what he needed for the book. His enchanting work which was displayed around the top of the venue for all to admire were unusually mesmerising; the sort of art that you can lose yourself in and create a whole story of your own. Keith explained to me that he had been drawing since he was a small child and his experience shows in the detail of his creations.

Andrew and Keith Signing 'The Tree of Seasons'

Andrew made time to talk to all of the fans during the signing despite being hurried along on occasions. He came across as very down to earth and caring; qualities that his beloved husband Stephen possessed. By this point everyone had had a drink from the well equipped bar and was enjoying themselves. After having a long conversation with Phyllis and Pat who shared some lovely memories of Stephen with us, we spent some more time with Andrew talking about anything and everything. He told us that he was aware of Steo's Superfanz and we informed him of the CRY - Bridges walk we are doing in memory of Stephen. All in all it was a very successful day raising a total of £412 in donations for Caudwell Children. Everyone went home extremely happy.

Andrew

This blog post is dedicated to Andrew Cowles, the husband of Stephen Gately who is currently getting ready to promote 'The Tree of Seasons' at what must still be a very difficult and heartbreaking time for him. The fans have supported Stephen tirelessly over the years and since his passing our focus has been turned towards Andrew. In return, Andrew has been exceptionally thoughtful towards us, providing opportunities for attending various events in memory of Stephen as he knew that the fans were also a big part of stephen's life. He didn't have to do this but he did.

I know of many fans who are extremely grateful for all that he has done and we all remain loyal to Stephen by Supporting Andrew. You can catch Andrew on 'This Morning' 12th May http://www.itv.com/presscentre/thismorning/week19guests/default.html

Book Promotion

OK guys, so there's 14 days left until the release of 'Tree of Seasons' but before you all get caught up in the excitement of it all we would like you to do us a big favour to help with the important promotional process in the run up to the big day. It has been decided that a good way to do this is have everyone change their facebook and twitter profile pics to the book cover that we have displayed here... all you have to do is click on the pic and press 'save as', you may then use the picture for any social networking sites that you are a part of.

The idea is to create curiosity among people who are unaware of the book and Stephen's work. We need to pull in a wider audience that not only consists of Boyzone and Steo fans. Due to the mistake that was made this month with early distribution, we don't know if it has affected the promotion or sales figures so as much help as possible will be needed and also much appreciated.

As dedicated Steo fans I'm sure you all know what you have to do to support him and his work.

'Tree of Seasons'

Its been a long time coming but now the countdown has begun. 'Tree of seasons', the book Steo had been working hard on for the past couple of years is scheduled to be released on 13th May 2010. The book which only had a few pages to go, was due to be finished by Stephen while on holiday with his husband Andrew in Majorca, but due to tragic circumstances this didn't happen.

Fortunately Steo being the clever and talented person he was left detailed notes on how the story would end so it made completion easier and as close to the storyline as he wanted. As dedicated fans, we want the book to be a best seller, and as it approaches the release date we would like you to help promote it. The timing is essential so we will give you the go ahead when the time is right. Do it too soon and people will get bored and that is something we want to avoid.

Its surprising what we can achieve when we all pull together!

Please stay tuned :)

Walk for CRY in Memory of Steo

There was so much negative press surrounding the death of Stephen that by the time they finished speculating what happened on that fateful night, they failed to address the bigger issue which was the heart condition that Stephen was suffering from. Many people die of undiagnosed heart conditions each year and maybe if Stephen had undergone more intensive screening, he could still be alive today. Instead of thinking about the what ifs, more has to be done to raise awareness of such conditions that could help save other people's lives... and that's where you guys come in.

CRY - Cardiac Risk in the Young is a charity dedicated to raising awareness and providing free screening to people under 35 through their special units around the UK. On the 18th July 2010 they will be holding a charity walk in London that us Steo fans can take part in. We will be walking in memory of Stephen as Part of Team Steo's Superfanz and raising money to help the charity to continue their fantastic work. If you are a member of our Steo's Superfanz facebook group, you would have already received an invite to the event which displays more details about the charity and Bridges walk. We will also be promoting it on twitter.

Lets make Stephen proud as he always did with us!

Introduction

Welcome Bloggers and Steo fans to the new blog we have created to work in conjuction with our facebook and twitter pages. This will give us the chance to discuss all things Steo related in more detail.

More about us:

Stephen passed away suddenly in October 2009 due to an undiagnosed heart condition, leaving us fans devistated. He was just 33 years old.



Fans unite to celebrate the life and work of Stephen Gately. A talented, kind and much loved individual who will always be in our hearts and never forgotten. We shal carry on in our everyday lives to keep Steo's memory alive and carry on his legacy by raising money for the charity that was close to his heart, 'Caudwell Children'.