Almost quarter of a million raised in memory of 'son of Wolverhampton' Liam Payne to help kids with cancer
Almost £250,000 has been raised in memory of One Direction star Liam Payne to support children battling cancer.
His family requested donations instead of flowers at the singer’s funeral last November, it has been revealed.
The funds will go toward a new unit at London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) that will bring together pioneering research, advanced treatments, and specialist care for young patients.
According to a source, the request for donations was included in Liam’s order of service, allowing mourners to contribute in his name.
The star, who was born in Wolverhampton, died aged 31 in a fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on October 16, 2024.
A GOSH JustGiving page stands at £34,292 but overall it is known almost £250,000 has been donated.
A source said: “The majority of donations were done in private. I know of two which were substantial to say the least.”
Liz Tait, GOSH fundraising director, told national news outlets that they were "so touched by the generosity shown in Liam’s memory."
She added: "Every donation is helping us to take another step towards a world-leading children’s cancer centre — a place of hope which will help build the future of children’s cancer care and save more lives.
“It’s a lasting legacy that will make a difference for generations.”
In 2022, when asked what he wanted to be remembered for, Liam replied: “Honestly, just being a nice guy.”
His close friends have said that he always has a "burning desire to use his money to do good" and that he was "still helping others when he was battling his own demons".
