Louis Tomlinson donates £1000 to auntie running London Marathon in his late mother's honour

In case you somehow missed it, yesterday was the annual London Marathon, with thousands of people running 26 miles through the streets of London to raise money for their chosen charities through sponsorships and donations.

Alongside the usual average Joes running yesterday, there were many celebrities joining the cause – including EastEnders’ Adam Woodyatt and Chris Evans, and one of the runners with a link to a famous name was Sally Deakin, Louis Tomlinson’s auntie.

Sally was running the marathon in loving memory of Louis’ mother, Johannah Deakin, who tragically passed away in December after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukaemia last May.

Johannah, who also went by the name of Jay, was just 42 years old and mother to 18-year-old Lottie, 16-year-old Felicite, 13-year-old twins Daisy and Phoebe and three-year-old twins Ernest and Doris, as well as Louis, 25, when she passed away.

Writing on her fundraising page, Sally explained: “On 23rd April 2017, I will be running London Marathon in memory of my sister in law, Johannah Deakin, and to raise money for Bloodwise, the UK’s specialist blood cancer charity.

“Johannah passed away on 7th December 2016 after being diagnosed with a very aggressive form of leukaemia earlier in the year. I am no long distance runner and this marathon will be my hardest challenge to date, however my sister in law fought tirelessly and I intend to do the same in her honour.

“I might have to crawl to that finish line but I will not give up!

“It would mean the world to me if you could donate to this amazing charity however if you are unable to donate, please support by raising awareness of Bloodwise in whatever way you can.”

Sally ended up raising over £6000 for Bloodwise through her run, smashing her £2000 target, and it appears that her famous nephew was more than willing to give a helping hand.

Eagle-eyed One Direction fans spotted one rather hefty donation among the 300+ that Sally received, with an anonymous donor generously giving £1,000 as well as £250 in Gift Aid alongside the message: “Good luck Sal, smash it!”

Although a name wasn’t left, it is safe to assume that this was probably donated by Louis, especially as he took to Twitter to praise Sally shortly after the donation was left.

Writing to his auntie, the singer posted: “Loads of love ! Amazing what you’re doing see you soon xxxx [sic]”.

Posting a photo of herself with her medal yesterday evening, Sally thanked everybody for their support, sharing: “Just a steady jog around London today. I want to thank everyone for their support!

“Donations have exceeded any expectation and I’m thrilled to have raised so much for a wonderful cause. Special mention to my AMAZING spectators! Means the world that you all came.

“Don’t think I’d have kept going without your cheers!!! Xxxx”

A huge congratulations to Sally and all other London Marathon runners for raising so much money for a selection of brilliant charities.

Read more:

[ Louis thanks fans for their support following mother’s tragic death ]

[ Niall Horan discusses flying to London to support Niall Horan ]

[ Louis Tomlinson and family pay tribute to their late mother after a difficult weekend ]