Chris Martin brought joy to a fan battling cancer by paying him a surprise visit in hospital. The Coldplay frontman is currently on tour in the Philippines with his band, but took time out of his busy schedule to meet superfan Ken Valiant G. Santiago. Ken, a medical student at the University of the Philippines-Manila, has been diagnosed with stage four cancer. While in hospital, he has been playing all of Coldplay's songs, including his favourites A Sky Full of Stars, Adventure of a Lifetime, Hymn for the Weekend and Everglow.
His older brother Kheil wrote an open letter on Facebook, in the hope that his message would reach the band. Kheil described how Ken has always been an "avid fan" and had lined up in the early hours of the morning to buy platinum tickets to Coldplay's Manila concert. Sadly, Ken was unable to make the concert due to his current condition, and gave away his ticket to his brother.
Chris Martin visited cancer patient Ken in Manila
Kheil wrote on Facebook: "He does not show he is sad, he said it's okay. But we can feel that he really wanted to be there. But due to his health condition we cannot compromise. We, especially him, accepted the fact that he can't be there in the most special concert of Coldplay for him." Kheil added: "I am sending you this open letter to ask a little favour if the band could just say 'hi' or a short message for him to make him feel better."
The post, which has been shared almost 2,000 times, reached Rhiza Pascua, head of Music Management International, the organiser of the Coldplay concert in Manila. She arranged for Chris, 40, to visit Ken in hospital. Although Ken is unable to speak because of his condition, he communicated with the singer using a white board. "I can't thank you enough," he wrote.
Ken communicated to his idol using a white board
Chris gifted Ken his cap as well as some Coldplay merchandise including a shirt, a bag and a copy of the band's latest album, A Head Full of Dreams. He also asked Ken what song he would like the band to play at their concert. Chris then texted his bandmates, telling them to start rehearsing Ink at Ken's request. Ken's wish was granted and the band performed Ink later that night, with Chris giving a shout out to his fan. "I'm sorry you can't be here, I hope you get well soon, this is for Ken," Chris said on stage.
Following the visit, Rhiza took to Twitter to share a photo of Chris and Ken and captioned it: "Chris Martin, you are an angel!!! Thank you for making Ken very happy!! #youKENdoit #HymnfortheweeKENd."