CHARITY activist Linda Keating has revealed the devastation she and her family are going through this week, following the tragic death of Boyzone star Stephen Gately.

The sister of singer Ronan Keating told the Herald how she and her siblings were extremely close to the Gately family, given that they all attended numerous Boyzone concerts together over the years.

The Marie Keating Foundation patron returned from the Great Garda Run, Chicago Marathon earlier this week, having jetted over to the States last weekend to take part in the charity run.

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Linda revealed how she and her brother Ronan were due to complete the challenge together prior to the news that his bandmate had passed away tragically in Majorca last Thursday.

"We found out on Saturday night and we were due to take part in the race on Sunday, so naturally Ronan didn't do it," she said.

"He's still devastated, of course. They were so close, they've been together since the very beginning and he was extremely close to him.

"I decided to go ahead and complete it and even though I had two banjaxed knees at one point I decided the pain I was going through was nothing in comparison to what the boys and Stephen's family were.

"I can't even begin to imagine what they are going through, it's just shocking," she added.

Linda went on to explain how she has countless memories of Stephen as a teen and in his early Boyzone days and says he never lost his down-to-earth charms.

According to Linda: "I know Stephen's family quite well, we used to all go to all their concerts together.

"I remember one time we all flew in to go and see them in Wembley, I was living in the States at the time and we all sat together, myself and the other guys families and cheered on the boys.

tragedy

"We're all broken-hearted. It's such a tragedy. I really feel for them, it's a tough time for everyone involved.

"All we can do now is just be there for Ronan and the rest of the boys and of course his husband and his family," she added.

Linda will accompany Ronan and the rest of their family to the Dublin star's removal service at St Laurence O'Toole's church tonight.

Despite her grief, Linda put on a brave face yesterday to step out for the Pink Ladies Lunch in Harvey Nichols restaurant in Dundrum.

Among those in attendance was Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney, TD and publisher Norah Casey, beauty buff, Triona McCarthy and PR guru, Tara O'Leary.

lnolan@herald.ie

- Lorna Nolan