In a powerful demonstration of compassion and social responsibility, British actress Laila Rouass, longtime partner of snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan, has pledged a staggering \$15.9 million to support a groundbreaking homeless shelter initiative launched by a professional snooker team. The generous donation, one of the largest individual contributions to a homelessness cause in recent years, is already sparking transformative change — not only in the lives of the shelter’s future residents, but across the broader sporting and philanthropic worlds.
The initiative, titled *Cue for Hope*, was spearheaded earlier this year by a coalition of top-tier snooker players and management who sought to use their platform to address the growing homelessness crisis in the UK. The campaign gained traction after a series of powerful social media posts and public service announcements shed light on the staggering number of people living without permanent shelter — a figure that has steadily climbed due to economic instability, mental health challenges, and lack of affordable housing.
Rouass, known for her roles in *Holby City* and *Footballers’ Wives*, has long been an advocate for humanitarian causes. However, this recent donation marks a new chapter in her philanthropic journey. Speaking at a press conference held at the future site of one of the shelters in East London, she shared her motivation:
> “This isn’t just about giving money. It’s about giving dignity, a second chance, and the feeling of being seen. I’ve walked past too many people on the street and thought, ‘What if that were me or someone I love?’ This initiative touches me deeply — and I believe in its power to change lives.”
Ronnie O’Sullivan, widely considered one of the greatest snooker players of all time, stood by Rouass’s side as she addressed the press. Though he remained relatively quiet during the announcement, sources close to the couple say he has been a key supporter behind the scenes, helping to connect the campaign with influential figures in sport and media. The couple’s combined star power has already drawn attention to the initiative from major corporate sponsors, with several pledging matching donations in the coming months.
The \$15.9 million will go directly toward constructing and operating a series of shelters across five UK cities. Each facility will offer not only emergency beds, but also wraparound services including mental health support, job training, addiction counseling, and legal assistance — a holistic approach designed to break the cycle of homelessness.
Chris Martin, a former snooker pro turned social advocate who helped launch *Cue for Hope*, called the donation “a miracle”:
“We had the passion, the plan, and the people — but we lacked the funding. Laila’s support has catapulted us from dreamers to doers. This isn’t just charity; this is systemic change.”
Public response has been overwhelmingly positive, with thousands taking to social media to commend Rouass and O’Sullivan. Prominent voices in both sport and entertainment have echoed calls for other high-profile individuals to follow suit.
As the initiative enters its next phase — breaking ground on the first shelter and assembling a team of support professionals — the Rouass-O’Sullivan donation stands as a beacon of what’s possible when fame and fortune are paired with deep empathy and a vision for a better world.
This philanthropic power couple has turned their celebrity into a force for tangible good. With *Cue for Hope* now fully funded and set to launch its first site by early 2026, countless lives may soon find the safety, support, and second chance they desperately need.