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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Entertainment
Tina Campbell

Liam Payne's girlfriend Kate Cassidy says they had planned to get married before his death

Liam Payne’s girlfriend has shared a new statement a week after his death - (Instagram @kateecass)

The devastated girlfriend of Liam Payne has said that they intended to get married in a new statement shared a week after his shock death.

The former One Direction singer died aged 31 after plunging from a third-floor balcony at the Casa Sur hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on October 16.

His girlfriend of two years, Kate Cassidy - who had been in Argentina with the Strip That Down hit-maker until two days before his death - has now taken to Instagram to share pictures of them together.

The American social media influencer also uploaded a note from Payne stating his desire for them to tie the knot and be together “forever”.

She explained in the accompanying caption: "A few weeks ago, we sat outside on a beautiful evening manifesting our lives together.

"I keep your note close, even though you told me not to look at it. It said 'me and Kate to marry within a year/engaged & together forever 444'.

"Liam, I know we'll be together forever, but not in the way we had planned. You'll always be with me. I've gained a guardian angel."

She added: "My heart is shattered in ways I can't put into words.

"I wish you could see the huge impact you've had on the world, even as it feels so dark right now.

"You brought so much happiness and positivity to everyone - millions of fans, your family, friends, and especially me.

The note Kate Cassidy shared which she says was written by Liam Payne (Instagram @kateecass)

"You are so incredibly loved.

"You are - because I can't say were - my best friend, the love of my life, and everyone you touched felt just as special as I did.

"Your energy was contagious, lighting up every room you walked into.

"None of this feels real, and I can't wrap my head around this new reality of not having you here. I'm struggling to figure out how to live in a world without you by my side.

"Together, we got to be kids again, always finding joy in the smallest things."

Liam Payne and Kate Cassidy dated for two years before his death on October 16 aged 31 (PA Archive)

"Liam, you had the kindest soul and the most fun-loving spirit. It feels like I've lost the best part of myself. I can't imagine a day without your laughter and love. You brought so much light into my life."

Meanwhile, it has been revealed that even in death, the Wolverhampton-born star is continuing to help others.

A t-shirt that he designed for charity Choose Love has raised nearly £200,000 after seeing a spike in sales following his tragic passing.

The news was confirmed by Choose Love founder Dawn O'Porter, who took to the organisation's Instagram account on Tuesday.

Posting a picture of Payne holding up the T-shirt he designed, she wrote: “Today is #ChooseDay, and almost a week ago the world lost an incredible person.

“We, with so many others, are devastated by the death of Liam Payne and our hearts and thoughts are with his loved ones.

“It seemed only right to dedicate this post to Liam and to say thank you for everything he did for us.' 

“We will always be so grateful to Liam for the beautiful T-shirt he designed to raise money to support displaced people around the world.”

She added: “It’s blown us all away to see how much the t-shirt has been shared this week and to see that £186,500 has been raised in the last week by this beautiful and generous community. 

“These funds will help us continue to get vital care to displaced people all over the world.' 

“We will be forever grateful to Liam and his fans for this incredible act of love. The t-shirt is still available via the link in our bio. Thank you to you all, and thank you Liam,” she concluded, followed by a red heart.

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