There is only one direction an appeal aiming to help youngsters fighting cancer can go and that is up after global boyband star Louis Tomlinson came on board as a celebrity patron.

Louis has pledged his support to Messenger charity of the year, The Stacey Mowle Appeal, which was initially set up to fund specialist treatment needed by the Gravesend girl as she battled relapsed neuroblastoma.

Sadly, Stacey died in March after a five-year fight. But the impression the nine-year-old made on people led to supporters continuing to raise money as her legacy, and it would seem Stacey, who lived in Trafalgar Road, also made a huge impact on the One Direction star.

He and his bandmates first met Stacey during a private studio rehearsal for a performance on X Factor in 2013.

Louis was one of Stacey’s favourites, especially as they shared a love of football. He also sent flowers offering his condolences to her family after her death.

Appeal supporters have been teasing their followers on Facebook that they would be welcoming a new patron before finally announcing: “It is with great pleasure and a big beaming smile on our faces to announce our princess’s new patron!

“There is now only One Direction this appeal is going in, yes guys, please welcome 1D’s Louis Tomlinson to our fantastic patronage.

“You know how much our Princess loved 1D. This is massive!”

To celebrate Louis joining the Appeal, campaigners are asking supporters to join together in a mass tweeting session at six o'clock tonight, as well as on Saturday and Sunday.

People should tweet: "@staceymAPPEAL Neuroblastoma cancer @Louis_Tomlinson @johannahDarling @onedirection excited to announce Louis as our new patron @itvcorrie"

A statement is expected from Louis in the next few days. Other appeal patrons include Birds of a Feather actress Linda Robson and QPR footballer Paul Konchesky.

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