Art charity reps honoured to meet "humble" X Factor judges Simon Cowell and Louis Tomlinson

FOUNDERS of an arts charity rubbed shoulders with X Factor judges Simon Cowell and Louis Tomlinson after they were invited to London.

Representatives from the Daniel Barnett Arts Foundation enjoyed the “opportunity of a lifetime” when they were VIP guests at the SSE Arena in Wembley.

Katie Walker from the charity, which helps to provide support to creative individuals who are struggling with illness or a change in their life, said everyone had made them feel so welcome from start to finish.

“Being able to meet the X Factor judges and contestants was amazing,” she added. 

“It was a once in a lifetime experience.”

The foundation was set up by Diane Barnett in memory of her son Daniel, a talented artist who died from bone cancer before being able to follow his dream of studying art at university.

Replicas of Daniel’s own work can be seen around Rotherham as part of the ongoing Gallery Town open-air exhibition.

During their trip, Katie, Diane and fellow charity reps Jennii Suphanit, and Angela Suphanit walked the red carpet and mingled with other guests in the VIP lounge.

Katie said the judges were both very humble and happy to have their pictures taken with them, as well as dishing out plenty of handshakes and hugs. 

“This recent trip has helped us to receive some great exposure for the charity, with more people heading to our website to find out more about us, which is fantastic,” she said.

Visit http://danielbarnett.org.uk to find out more about the Daniel Barnett Arts Foundation.