Devastated fans of Liam Payne, the former member of pop powerhouse One Direction, have been sharing their memories of the star after his sudden death aged 31. Payne was a key part of many of their childhoods, with the band playing an important role in their younger years. Speaking to BBC News, Izzy Hawksworth from Sheffield, said Payne was a “big piece” of her life. As an eight-year-old, she voted for the band every week on The X Factor in 2010, and remembers downloading their performances to her Nokia phone. She went on to see the band multiple times and was saddened when they split.
One Direction superfan Faith May from Surrey was also devastated by the news, describing Payne as a person who had so much more to give. Reflecting on the band’s popularity, May said it was a worldwide sensation, that had the power to unite girls, boys, mums and dads. “It’s like going through the stages of grief for someone you love – it’s exactly the same,” she said.
Beth Lewis from Darlington had her wish to sing with One Direction fulfilled by Payne in 2014, after being granted the opportunity by Rays of Sunshine, a children’s charity for seriously ill kids. She said the day they sang together was thrilling, and spoke about how they shared the same birthday. Lewis promised to celebrate Payne’s birthday next year in his memory.
Angharad Binns from Stevenage met Payne and the band during their early days, with Payne standing out as being “very down to earth and appreciative.” Meanwhile, Jo Constable from Bristol met Payne whilst they were on their honeymoon, with the meeting being captured in the video for their hit, One Thing. “Liam was very nice. He gave me a lovely photo and told me it was nice to meet me,” she said.
Through his work with Rays of Sunshine, Payne brought joy to the lives of children whose wishes the charity granted, said Jane Sharpe, a trustee of the organisation. His unwavering kindness left a lasting legacy, she added
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