One Direction star Louis Tomlinson's mother Johannah Deakin has died after a battle with leukaemia, it was confirmed on Friday. The 42-year-old passed away in the early hours of Wednesday. She leaves behind six other children, Lottie, 18, Felicite, 16, twins Daisy and Phoebe, both 12, and twins Ernest and Doris, both aged two.
In a statement released to HELLO! Online, her family said: "It is with immeasurable sadness that Johannah Deakin’s family said goodbye to Johannah in the early hours of Wednesday 7th December 2016. Earlier this year Johannah was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of leukaemia that required immediate and continuous treatment. We respectfully request that the family are given time and space to grieve in private."
Louis Tomlinson's mother Johannah Deakin has passed away after a battle with leukaemia
Earlier this year, Johannah was diagnosed with a "very aggressive" form of leukaemia. Her husband Dan Deakin added: "Johannah was first and foremost a truly amazing mother to seven children – Louis (24), Lottie (18), Félicité (16), and two sets of twins, Phoebe and Daisy (12) and Ernest and Doris (2) - whose individual talents and success are testament to the principles and beliefs she instilled in them. She was also an incredibly proud grandmother to Freddie.
"Incredibly selfless, she would always look to put other people before herself. She desired nothing more than for everyone around her to be happy and loving. She worked tirelessly on numerous charity campaigns, creating memories for many individuals and their families. It wasn't uncommon for Johannah to hear through the media of an individual in need of assistance, and she would immediately make it her objective to get that person what they often desperately needed, and rarely without success."
Louis's father Troy Austin split from Johannah in 1997. The midwife announced her engagement to Doctor Dan Deakin and that the couple were expecting twins in 2013.
Two weeks ago, Louis took to his Instagram page to share a sweet picture of himself with his mother. In the caption, he poignantly wrote: "My mother looking gorgeous before the Brits earlier this year. I love you and miss you so much!"
Former X Factor judge Cheryl took to her Twitter page to send her condolences, writing: "@Louis_Tomlinson my heart breaks for you. I am so sorry. My thoughts are with you and your loved ones at this incredibly tragic time."