Their teams may be worlds apart but a shared love of football is what led One Direction superstar Louis Tomlinson signing up to support The Stacey Mowle Appeal.

The 23-year-old first met the Gravesend youngster in 2013 during her five-year battle against childhood cancer, relapsed neuroblastoma.

Sadly, the nine-year-old died in March this year but the appeal set up to raise funds for her specialist treatment has continued in her memory to help other children fighting the disease.

It was announced two months ago that Louis would be lending his support to the appeal as a celebrity patron.

Now, with the boyband taking a well-earned break from recording, performing and touring, Louis has revealed the reasons why he has agreed to help Stacey's parents and the campaign.

"I was totally humbled when Warren and Samantha asked me to be a patron. I had the privilege of meeting Stacey when her parents brought her to watch a One Direction rehearsal in 2013 and we had a mutual love of football," he said.

Stacey, who lived in Trafalgar Road, was not only a One Direction fan but also a supporter of Premiership club, Tottenham Hotspur.

As well as his music career, Louis is a keen footballer and made his debut for League One Doncaster Rovers' reserve team in February last year, before captaining the club's 'legends' team in a charity match in April.

Stacey and Louis first met during a private rehearsal for the X Factor, and he also sent flowers offering his condolences to her family following her death.

Other celebrity patrons include former Spurs and Queen's Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp, comedian Joe Pasquale and actress and TV presenter Linda Robson.

The Stacey Mowle Appeal is expected to gain official charity status later this month and will incorporate 'treats and wishes' to create special memories for other families affected by neuroblastoma.

Louis added: "I look forward to lending my support to Warren and Samantha and the new charity in memory of Stacey in the future."

Click here for more information about the appeal and how you can help.