Shane & I saluted Stephen at Base Camp.... I cannot believe it's 14 years since we lost him

More than 14 years have passed since Stephen Gately's sudden death at the age of just 33.

- CLARE BERRETT

But when two of his former Boyzone bandmates completed the challenge of a lifetime - a gruelling hike and cycle across the African plains their first thought was for their absent friend.

Keith Duffy and Shane Lynch were taking part in the Mount Kenya Challenge when the anniversary of Stephen's death came around last October.

"Stephen is always with me and it's hard to believe it's been 14 years since we lost him, Keith admits.

"That evening, when Shane and I reached the base camp, we raised a glass to him." Stephen died at his Majorca home on October 10, 2009, victim of an undiagnosed heart condition Keith now performs with Boyzlife, alongside Brian McFadden from fellow Irish boy band Westlife, and always finds room for Stephen in their hugely popular shows.

He says: "We always dedicate a song to Stephen we when perform, and it's always No Matter What because nobody has ever done that song justice since Stephen.

"Brian and I started about six or seven years ago, and the success of the band is out of this world.

"There's even talk of a TV show, similar to TFI Friday, where we perform with other artists and interview them."

Despite performing around the world - and despite his exertions on Mount Kenya - Keith's body is beginning to feel its 49 years.

He says: "I have historical knee problems - it probably comes from all the kneeling during the dance routines in Boyzone.