Liam Payne funeral order of service reveals star's final act of kindness
by Sam Cooper, Ramla Jeylani · NottinghamshireLiveThe order of service for Liam Payne's funeral has revealed the star's final act of kindness. The service included booklets that encouraged attendees to donate to Great Ormond Street children's hospital, a fitting gesture from Liam who was known to have spent his final weeks donating to fundraisers for sick children.
The booklet read: "Thank you for attending the service and thank you for all the kind messages received. Liam would like you to make a donation. In memory of Liam we'd like you to consider Great Ormond Street Hospital, " alongside a link to the foundation's page. Louis Tomlinson was seen clutching the order of service as he took some time alone to gather his thoughts after bidding farewell to his friend and former bandmate.
It was announced last month that Liam, best known as a member of One Direction, died at the age of 31 after falling from a balcony at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires. An investigation into his death is ongoing.
Argentine prosecutors are reported to have now dismissed the idea that he took his own life when he fell from his balcony, which had been a source of speculation in the weeks following his death. In a statement, now translated into English, released this week, they said: "In the state he was in, he did not know what he was doing and could not understand it."
The funeral concluded around 2pm, with mourners seen congregating outside the church in a poignant display of sorrow. Former One Direction members stood together, comforting each other after the service, while Simon Cowell was seen consoling friends and family, reports the Mirror.
Earlier, fans had lined the streets to pay tribute to Liam, who had evidently touched many lives. They also gathered around the church, holding photos and flowers as they bid farewell to the star.
The service included special touches to commemorate Liam's memory, alongside traditional flower arrangements and candles. A unique floral design depicting bowling pins being struck by a ball, crafted from fresh flowers, was one such personal touch.
While it may seem unusual for such a sombre occasion, the design affectionately references Liam's well-known love for bowling. The singer spent his 31st birthday bowling with his family on 29th August, mere weeks before his untimely death in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Cheryl, Liam's ex-partner and mother to their seven-year-old son Bear, was also spotted leaving the service, her face marked with grief after supporting her child through such a heartbreaking day.