Extraordinary generosity shown by public and celebrities at glamour gig
A charity ball became the biggest trending topic worldwide on social media last night after one member of the world’s biggest pop acts donated a cool £2 million to its coffers.
One Direction’s Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson hosted the I Believe in Magic Cinderella Ball in London's Natural History Museum to raise money for terminally ill children.
Reportedly Louis, who hosted the event, wrote a cheque for £2m after being inspired and humbled by the work the charity does for children.
And as social media channels showed pictures of the ball, cash came flooding in to the charity’s JustGiving page from the public as well as from celebraities and other attendees on the night.
Themed on Cinderella, all those arriving at the gig - many of whom were terminally and seriously ill children - were treated like royalty and dressed accordingly in prince and princess outfits.
Another highlight of the night came when Liam bid £50,000 to get his face painted as tiger.
Fellow band members played their part, despite not being at the actual event.
One of Harry Styles’ jazzy shirts was auctioned as well as Niall Horan’s signed guitars - the latter fetching an impressive £6,500.
So proud of Meg Bhari and Louis Tomlinson for creating magical night for terminally ill children - David Cameron
Believe in Magic was founded by terminally ill teenager Meg Bhari and aims to bring happiness into the lives of other seriously and terminally ill children.
Since its inception, the charity has held once in a lifetime events such as parties and celebrity hospital and hospice visits for ill children.
Supporters of the organisation include Jessie J, Olly Murs, Pixie Lott, Little Mix, Professor Green, Fearne Cotton and Michael Bublé.
Louis, who attended with his mum, later thanked everyone for going to the ball, saying it’s an “incredible privilege” for him and his mother to work for the charity. He also described its work as “totally inspiring” and “absolutely incredible.”
Prime Minister David Cameron tweeted: “So proud of Meg Bhari and Louis Tomlinson for creating magical night for terminally ill children.”
