Ronnie O’Sullivan Fulfills His Late Mother’s Dream by Transforming £1.2 Million Shelter into a Home for the Needy in His Chigwell Hometown
Chigwell, Essex – July 20, 2025 — In a heartfelt tribute to his late mother, snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan has fulfilled one of her lifelong dreams by transforming a local shelter in Chigwell, Essex, into a fully equipped home for the needy.
The newly renovated facility, now named “Maria’s House” in honor of his mother, was unveiled over the weekend in an emotional ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local officials, community leaders, and dozens of grateful families. O’Sullivan personally donated £1.2 million to fund the project, which includes bedrooms, a communal kitchen, wellness areas, and access to employment and mental health services.
“My mum always believed in giving people a second chance, a warm meal, and a safe place to rest,” said O’Sullivan during the ceremony. “This was her dream—to help others rise from hardship—and I’m honored to make that dream a reality.”
The initiative, which began in early 2024, involved a full restoration of an underfunded shelter in East London. With O’Sullivan’s support, it has now been transformed into a modern, supportive environment aimed at helping struggling individuals and families rebuild their lives.
Ronnie, often celebrated for his precision and brilliance on the snooker table, is now earning praise for his generosity and compassion off it. Supporters from the sporting world and beyond have flooded social media with messages of admiration.
Local councillor Amanda Hughes noted, “Ronnie’s donation doesn’t just fund a building—it restores hope. This home will be a lifeline for so many.”
Maria’s House is already open to residents and plans to offer community outreach programs starting this fall.
