One Direction's Louis signs up for Bluebell Wood

BOYBAND sensation Louis Tomlinson has become a patron of a charity that supports sick children from his home town.

The One Direction singer first visited Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice last year while taking part in the X-Factor tour.

He was so touched by the children and the staff at the North Anston facility that he has now decided to use his fame to help out.

Doncaster-born Louis (20), said: “It is really important for me to support a local charity.

“Bluebell Wood is such a great cause and I’m very proud to be able to help them with raising funds.”

Sarah Champion, chief executive of the hospice, said that the team was “colossally overjoyed” to announce the news.

“We’re absolutely thrilled that Louis has agreed to become one of our patrons and it’s fabulous to see him supporting a local charity,” she said.

“It costs £3 million per year to offer our service and we currently receive no statutory government funding.

“Without the help of supporters like Louis we simply couldn’t help the children that we do.”

The impact of Louis’ support is already beginning to show its magnitude. Since tweeting about his alliance with Bluebell Wood, the number of followers on the charity’s Twitter site has gone through the roof.

Louis will soon be heading home to play in a charity football match at Doncaster Rovers’ Keepmoat Stadium on October 22.

The 20-year-old idol will be joining his old side The Three Horseshoes when they take on Doncaster Rovers XI with the proceeds going to Bluebell Wood.

Louis not the only chart topper to support Bluebell Wood, Brit Award winner Ed Sheeran is also a patron for the charity, which supports and helps care for children with a shortened life expectancy.

Currently the Bluebell Wood care team provide support to more than 150 children and their families in South Yorkshire, North Derbyshire, North Nottinghamshire and parts of North Lincolnshire.

The hospice offers 24-hour care to children on a one to one basis and allows families to stay at there for some respite time.

For tickets for the football match visit www.online.keepmoatstadium.com or contact 0844 3245590.

You can donate by visiting www.justgiving.com/LouisTomlinsonFootballMatch