The anti- poverty charity Trussell has paid tribute to the former One Direction singer, saying his ‘kindness and compassion’ will never be forgotten in Sheffield. 

Payne first donated to the charity trust in 2020 during the pandemic, and has since donated to over 100 food banks, including those in Sheffield.

Trussell’s chief executive, Emma Revie, said: “We are extremely saddened by the news of Liam Payne’s death.

“Over the last four years, Liam was a generous supporter of Trussell and our community of food banks, not only funding the provision of more than 360,000 meals during Covid but also often joining us in calling for the solutions required to end the need for emergency food.

“We greatly appreciate the compassion and kindness he always showed to people facing hunger and hardship. His death is a very tragic loss, and our thoughts are with his loved ones.”

At the time of donation, Payne said: “It’s not right that anyone in our country is unable to afford food. 

“Food banks do incredible work to help the people most in need of support.” 

As well as donating financially, Payne also helped out at his local food bank, where he said it was ‘humbling’ to meet the ‘incredibly passionate’ volunteers.

In a statement released today, Payne’s family said: “We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul.

”We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time.”

Trussell has 1,400 food banks across the UK and has a team of 36,000 volunteers.

For more about what Trussell do, or to donate, visit their website.