\
A KIND-HEARTED One Direction fan has launched a fundraiser in Liam Payne’s name for a charity which was close to his heart.
The One Direction star, 31, passed away after falling from the third floor of a hotel balcony.
6
6
6
6
His passing prompted a swell of fan and celebrity tributes and now London-based Laurel Melsom, who runs Instagram page Life With Laurel, has set up a GoFundMe page in aid of the Trussell Trust, which so far has scooped £95 in donations.
Laurel, who describes herself on her page as a “resident concert girlie” is a passionate One Direction fan – after having gone to see Liam’s bandmate Harry Styles seven times in 12 days in 2022.
Now she has launched the online donation account with an image of Strip That Down Singer Liam at the top.
She wrote in her description: “For any fans who want to leave a donation in Liam’s memory, especially if they’re unable to make it to any memorial to leave flowers etc.
“Liam was a key donor to The Trussell Trust and would love to continue this on.”
He made a huge donation to the organisation back in 2020, helping food banks in areas including Stoke On Trent, Coventry, Sheffield and Nottingham among others.
At the time, Liam said: “It’s not right that anyone in our country is unable to afford food.
“Food banks do incredible work to help the people most in need of support.”
The anti-poverty trust supports 1,400 food bank locations and provides emergency food and support for those struggling for cash to survive.
Earlier this week, the organisation praised Liam for his “compassion and kindness” through the years.
Chief executive Emma Revie, said: “We are extremely saddened by the news of Liam Payne’s death.
“Over the last four years, Liam was a generous supporter of Trussell and our community of food banks, not only funding the provision of more than 360,000 meals during Covid but also often joining us in calling for the solutions required to end the need for emergency food.
Tributes to Liam Payne
SHOCKED fans, former co-workers, loved ones and friends flooded social media with sad tributes to Liam Payne after news of his death emerged.
Harry Styles’ mum Anne was among the first from One Direction’s camp to share her reaction, posting a photo of Liam and writing ‘Just a boy…’ alongside a broken heart emoji.
Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden shared an image of the pair together with the words: “Such an awful tragedy.
“Sending love to his family and all those who loved him.”
X Factor star Olly Murs told fans he was “devastated” and “lost for words”.
He wrote on social media: “Liam shared the same passions as me, the same dreams so to see his life now end so young hits hard, I’m truly gutted and devastated for his Family and of course his son Bear losing a dad x”.
Liam Gallagher said he was “very sad” and told his followers on X: “Life is precious Kids, you only get to do it once, go easy.”
Former X Factor presenter Dermot O’Leary has also expressed his shock and spoke on This Morning.
He said: “I remember him as a 14 year old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing.
“He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble.”
BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball reacted to the “devastating news” on her show and told fans she hugged her own son Woody tight this morning.
JLS band member Marvin Humes reflected on his memories with the singer, sharing: “I first met Liam in 2008 with the JLS boys whilst auditioning for X Factor..he was 14 years old..
“We instantly clicked and looked at him as a little brother..that year it worked out for us but not for him and then 2 years later he went back to audition and One Direction was born..the rest is history..
“Absolutely heartbroken by the tragic news..Liam you wanted to be a global superstar and you did it bro..just can’t believe that things have ended this way..it’s shocking..my thoughts and prayers are with all your family and friends brother..RIP.”
Niall Horan’s brother Greg shared an emotional tribute to Liam, praising him as a “top young man”.
He added: “You will be forever missed. Liam, words can’t describe how much I want to grab my brother and mind him now while the world shows their memories of you and him and the boys.
“My heart goes out to your family parents and sisters and your son Bear and your 1D brothers.
“10th October we met and we started out that evening as 5 families into one big one 1D family thank you for all the laughs bro watch down on all your family and mind them lots of love kiddo x x x 1D 4 LIFE x x x”
German DJ Anton Zaslavski, otherwise known as Zedd, has taken to X with a devastated statement.
The producer, who worked with Liam on his 2017 hit Get Low, wrote: “RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real…absolutely heartbreaking…”
American singer, Charlie Puth, who was friends with Liam and also collaborated with him on a song called Bedroom Floor, has posted a series of Instagram stories dedicated to him.
Alongside photos of the two of them together in their younger days, Charlie wrote: “I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me.
“He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone…
“I am so upset right now, may he rest in peace. I am so sorry…”
Irish singer duo Jedward also took to social media, saying: “RIP Liam Payne. Condolences to friends and family.”
In another tweet, they added: “Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear. And all the One direction Family. RIP Liam Payne.”
American media personality Paris Hilton shared: “So upsetting to hear the news of Liam Payne passing. Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend.”
ITV weather presenter Alex Beresford shared a news video about Liam’s tragic death on Instagram, adding: “Can’t believe this! RIP Liam.”
Meanwhile Love Island star Molly Marsh penned: “I’m so taken aback, rest in peace.”
James Cordon also paid his own tribute, describing the star as a “loving and kind soul”.
The Gavin and Stacey actor wrote on Instagram: “Talking about Liam in the past tense is utterly heart-breaking.
“I will treasure the moments I got to spend with him. My thoughts are with his family today x.”
Payne previously appeared on Cordon’s The Late Late Show in America.
Former Little Mix star Jade Thirwall – who won X Factor with her bandmates one year after One Direction took part – described him as “the first friend I made in this industry”.
She said: “We fell out of touch as the years went by, but back in 2008 he was the first friend I made in this industry.
“Both of us so young, so ambitious, both hoping we’d ‘make it’. I hope you are at peace now”.
Camila Cabello described his death as a “tragedy” and said he “made an impression” on her when she was a young girl.
“We greatly appreciate the compassion and kindness he always showed to people facing hunger and hardship. His death is a very tragic loss, and our thoughts are with his loved ones.”
This week, The Sun reported how Liam spent years putting his fame and £46million fortune to good use prior to his tragic death.
He teamed up with the likes of Unicef and anti-poverty charity Trussell in his home town of Wolverhampton.
As well as taking part in Soccer Aid for two years, he also donated and volunteered at his local food bank.
In 2021, the former X Factor star sold his old clothes, raising £15,000 for charities.
A pal said: “Liam had all this money and, yes, he had fancy things in life, but he also had a burning desire to use his money to do good.
“Even in the weeks leading up to his death — and when he was battling his own demons — he was helping others.
“He was really passionate about being a good person, especially when it came to children. He was like one of his idols George Michael in that respect.”
The Sun can reveal just last month, Liam, dad to seven-year-old Bear, gave away £10,000 via GoFundMe in a single evening, as he read the heartbreaking stories on the website of those in need.
SAD PASSING
family released an emotional statement on his premature passing.
In a statement, Liam’s family said this afternoon: “We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul.
“We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space during this awful time.”
Liam was in Buenos Aires for pal Niall Horan’s tour when he tragically plunged from the third floor on Wednesday afternoon.
A source confirmed to The Sun that Liam has died.
Liam shared a post on Snapchat only minutes before his death and showed him and his girlfriend Kate Cassidy looking into a mirror.
The singer-songwriter was staying at Hotel CasaSur in the neighbourhood of Palermo.
Crowds of heartbroken fans have gathered behind a cordon outside the accommodation to pay tribute to the star.
The star’s cause of death has since been revealed as well as Liam’s tragic final hours.
6
6
