Ronan Keating said it has been “heart-breaking” to watch Deborah James’ struggle with bowel cancer. The former headteacher was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016 and announced on Instagram on 9 May that she has now stopped treatment and is receiving hospice care at home.The Boyzone singer became a cancer charity campaigner after his Mum, Marie, died of breast cancer and he has now received an honorary doctorate from the Open University for his charity work.The 45 year old explained: “I continue the story and continue to educate people about cancer, whether that’s through cancer research UK or through the Marie Keating Foundation or through the Open University degree, the doctorate.” Get exclusive celebrity stories and reality tv news straight to your inbox with OK! daily newsletter.