Liam Payne spent £10,000 in one night helping people on GoFundMe as late star gave away millions to charities
POP star Liam Payne gave away millions of pounds to charities around the globe — including £10,000 in just one night.
The former One Direction singer, 31, spent years putting his fame and £46million fortune to good use.
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.
‘Just being a nice guy’
The children or young adults Liam helped all needed life-saving operations, with some suffering from cancer and one being the victim of a school shooting.
On September 30, Liam gave £2,300 to help support a 28-year-old American man, Jack, who suffered from stage 4 B-cell lymphoma.
He donated a further £3,833 to help Macy Shepard, four, who was diagnosed with a stage 2 Wilms tumour on her kidney.
Another £770 went to help fund a young girl’s medical bills after she was injured during a school shooting.
And £2,223 went to help four-year-old Kailyn, who suffered a stroke.
Speaking at the time, Liam said: “As a father, it hits me differently. I have been spending the last few nights trying to finish off the donations so they can get the operations they need — they would be free in my country.
“I can’t not look at a sick child and not see Bear. I’m not asking for people to say well done or I’m amazing.
“What I care about is that that child gets to live the life it’s supposed to.”
Even in the weeks leading up to his death — and when he was battling his own demons — he was helping others
Source close to Liam
In 2015, Liam was guest of honour at a ceremony at a new state-of-the-art youth centre being built in his home town of Wolverhampton and later donated £3,000.
The same year he did a comedy sketch with tennis champ Andy Murray and comedian Jack Whitehall for children’s charity Unicef.
Liam was asked in 2022 what he wanted to be remembered for. He said: “Honestly, just being a nice guy.”
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.