Former One Direction star Louis Tomlinson has made a significant donation to help a beloved former member of the band's team. The singer has contributed £4,000 to a fundraising campaign for Preston Mahon, the group's ex-security guard, who is facing a critical health crisis and requires life-saving surgery.
A Deteriorating Health Crisis
Preston Mahon, 54, initially required what seemed to be a routine knee operation. However, during that procedure, medical professionals discovered a more severe issue: a clogged artery in his thigh. He subsequently underwent an angioplasty to remove the clot from his left leg.
Tragically, the situation worsened when the artery re-clogged. According to friends, the NHS has stated it cannot intervene until his condition becomes "dire," which has been explained as when he needs either a bypass or an amputation. This has left Preston in a precarious position, forcing him to seek private medical care.
The Overwhelming Financial Burden
Preston has now exhausted all of his savings on treatment. His circumstances have escalated, and he now requires life-saving surgery on both of his legs. The total cost for this essential procedure is a staggering €35,000 (approximately £30,820), which works out to just over £15,400 per leg.
A Gofundme page was established to help cover the immense cost, and it has been met with an outpouring of support from well-wishers. Amidst these donations, Louis Tomlinson's generous contribution of £4,000 stands out, reflecting his known character for generosity.
A Heartfelt Reunion and Gratitude
Preston, who has known the members of One Direction for years, expressed his profound gratitude. He told The Sun, "I'm so appreciative, it means the world to me. I can't thank him enough, wow. I wasn’t expecting that. I sent Louis a text personally saying thank you."
He also shared a poignant memory, revealing that he had reunited with all the band members—Louis, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, and the late Liam Payne—at Liam's funeral a year ago. He described it as "the saddest time ever but a lovely reunion," underscoring the deep bond that remains between the former bodyguard and the pop stars he once protected.
