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    Louis Tomlinson, Simon Cowell and the X Factor contestants support the Daniel Barnett Arts Foundation

    Kelly McFarlandBy

    Louis Tomlinson is well known for his philanthropy work. This weekend he was joined by fellow judge Simon Cowell and some of this years X Factor contestants as they welcomed people helped by the Daniel Barnett Arts Foundation (DBAF).

    Photo credit: Katie Walker @KWPhotography92

     

    Photo credit: Katie Walker @KWPhotography92

     

     

    The Daniel Barnett Arts Foundation aims to “raise money in order to inspire individuals to be creative by providing workshops, fundraising events and support to people who may need help due to an illness or challenge in their life.”

    The charity was founded by Diane Barnett after her firstborn son Daniel was diagnosed with cancer, Ewing Sarcoma at the age of 14. Ewing Sarcoma Despite undergoing countless gruelling rounds of Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy at Sheffield Children’s Hospital, he strived to set himself tasks like passing his GCSE’s ( he did and gained an A in his art qualification) and continued to pursue his love of art, playing the saxophone and all things creative.

    Art is an expression, a record of our journey, a moment in time and space, a keepsake for life which no one can take away. We make the brush strokes, the marks upon the painting, it is part of our expression and who we are and that we exist. – Diane Barnett

    Daniel’s determination and positivity despite his own troubles inspired those around him. In 2008 he was awarded  ‘Princess Diana Award’ for the ability to improve and inspire the lives of others. He was also awarded an Outstanding Achievement Award and was awarded the role of ‘Ambassador of Rotherham’.

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    Daniel went on to study the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design course at Rotherham College of Arts and Technology. Despite his deteriorating health, Daniel excelled in his studies producing a portfolio of artwork that gained him a place at Goldsmiths University London. Sadly Daniel died at the age of 19 in 2010, before he was able to take up his place at Goldsmiths.

    Our story is about how he inspired me, as he helped me to recognise the importance of time together, being creative and passionate about what life has to offer, even if your time here is short.- Diane Barnett

    In 2015 the DBAF began working in partnership with the Cancer Trust Hospitals across Yorkshire to deliver art workshops to young people and their families who have been affected by cancer. The aim is for these workshops to give focus and purpose to each individual taking part and allow them to freely express themselves in a fun, safe environment.

    The charity is for all those people that need time and space to be together. A space to be creative which allows individuals to be free of the stresses and strains of their illness/worries and to be in the moment, just concentrating on the activity or the task in hand which enables us to have fun and get through the day.- Dianne Barnett

    This weekend DBAF got the opportunity to visit the X Factor.  Angela Suphanit who is the Treasurer for DBAF took to Twitter to say how much her daughter Jenni had enjoyed meeting her idol, Louis Tomlinson. “He was so friendly and made us feel so welcomed. She got a great big hug off him.”

     

    Jenni also got to meet the creator of the show Simon Cowell as well some of the X Factor contestants.

    She shared her thoughts about the experience on Twitter.

     

     

    You can find out more about the DBAF here and follow them on Twitter.

    Let us know what you think of Louis, Simon and the X Factor contestants supporting DBAF over on @CelebMix!

     

     

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