One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson has shown a piece of his heart lies in Gravesend.

The 23-year-old took time out of his hectic schedule to arrange for flowers to be sent to the parents of Stacey Mowle who lost her courageous five-year fight against childhood cancer relapsed neuroblastoma earlier this month.

The bouquet arrived at the Trafalgar Road home of Warren and Samantha and Stacey’s brother, Jake, accompanied by the simple message: “Sending so much love to you all – Louis (One Direction) and my mum Johannah Xx.”

Photographs of the heart-warming gesture were posted by Warren on Facebook with the words “Feeling Proud”.

One Direction were the nine-year-old’s favourite band and she was delighted to meet Louis, Harry, Zayn, Liam and Niall during a private studio rehearsal in November 2013 thanks to X Factor finalist, family friend and appeal patron Tamera Foster.

“Of course I had a little cry and remembered my beautiful little pal. I thought of her family and how awful it must be for them to lose their own princess, and I remembered all the lovely memories" - Sarah Knight

The flowers came just a day before football fans at the Premier League game between Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City united in rapturous applause for Stacey in the ninth minute.

White Hart Lane rang out with applause in the ninth minute of Tottenham Hotspur’s home match against Leicester City.

The Mowle family are big football fans, and Stacey’s dad – Warren – is a dedicated Spurs supporter.

Before the match the Stacey Mowle Appeal, a charity set up to raise money for treatment of the youngster and the Messenger’s Charity of the year, was pushing their campaigners to promote the event.

Support also came from Leicester City defender and Stacey Mowle Appeal patron Paul Konchesky.

Former Spurs boss Harry Redknapp paid tribute to Stacey and called her inspirational.

He said: "It has been a privilege to spend time with Stacey and her family over the past few years.

"Her bravery, character and spirit have been an inspiration, her memory will live on. Our thoughts are with Stacey's family and friends at this very difficult time"

Ebbsfleet Utd had also commemorated Stacey’s life with a minute’s applause before their match against Maidenhead Utd on Saturday, March 15.

"At first there were a few others joining in, and then all that could be heard around the ground was resounding applause" - Sarah Knight

Like the tribute at the Fleet’s Stonebridge Road stadium, the applause in north London was given with dignity and respect.

Stacey Mowle Appeal and Spurs supporter Sarah Knight went to the match and was moved by the occasion.

She said: “When the clock turned over to 3.09pm I stood up along with the rest of my party and began to clap. At first there were a few others joining in, and then all that could be heard around the ground was resounding applause.

“Of course I had a little cry and remembered my beautiful little pal. I thought of her family and how awful it must be for them to lose their own princess, and I remembered all the lovely memories.

“It was a great tribute to a fantastic little girl who will always hold a place in my heart.”

A garden in memory of Stacey is to be opened in the town.

The tranquil setting of three large flowerbeds, cherry trees and three park benches will provide a lasting tribute.

Supporters of an appeal to raise £500,000 for specialist treatment in the US vowed to continue to leave what they call “a lasting legacy” for Stacey, including setting up a foundation to help other children suffering from similar conditions.

The garden will be in Windmill Gardens, off Clarence Place, and is expected to be opened as part of a Stacey Day of Celebration on Saturday, May 2.