R.I.P LIAM

Poignant send-off for tragic singer, 31

- CHRIS BUCKTIN

THROUGH a veil of tears, those who loved him the most said their goodbyes to Liam Payne.

The 31-year-old One Direction star was laid to rest yesterday in a solemn gathering of family and friends.

There was a floral tribute in the shape of a bowling ball, and Batman stickers on mourners' windscreens, to reflect two of Liam's passions in life.

And there were fans, who never met Liam but felt like they knew him, gathered patiently outside the church, paying their respects in the most respectful way they could.

But for mourners inside - including Liam's parents Geoff and Karen, his bandmates, his girlfriend Kate Cassidy and the mother of his sevenyear-old son Bear, Cheryl Tweedy - it was a day of pure, unrelenting and deeply personal grief.

As mourners entered just before 1pm, a floral arrangement spelling out "Daddy" was carried inside.

It was a heartbreaking tribute from Bear, the embodiment of his father's legacy, and a reminder of the joy the singer brought into the world.

The choice to hold the service here in Amersham rather than in Liam's hometown of Wolverhampton was a poignant one.

The singer lived nearby after buying a house there in 2021 to be close to and provide a sanctuary for Bear.

The area had become a special place in Liam's later years, with pals saying it was a tranquil retreat away from his fast-paced life.

But yesterday, it provided the backdrop to a parade of stars who came to say goodbye.

SOLIDARITY

Cheryl and her Girls Aloud bandmates Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh were among the first to arrive at St Mary's Church.

Liam's former bandmates - Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Zayn Malik - were together once more, but united in grief, not music.

The group, whose bond was forged through years in the spotlight, stood in quiet solidarity to pay tribute to their good friend.