Louis Tomlinson Helps 83-Year-Old Man Whose Wife Died Check Things Off His Bucket List
Louis Tomlinson knows more than most what it is like to lose someone you love, so the singer has drawn on his own experience to help an 83-year-old man following the death of his wife.
After hearing that man named Richard, whose wife Pat died due to an Alzheimer’s complication in December 2016, was trying to check off a few of the items on his bucket list, the British star stepped in.
“A month or so ago I met an amazing man called Richard. He had a few things he wanted to do so I thought I’d help him out,” Tomlinson, 27, wrote on Instagram Wednesday.
“This video feels particularly relevant and powerful to me. Richard is a classic example of a fearless man who in light of tragedy still pushes himself to live with as much laughter and happiness as possible,” Tomlinson added.
The time the pair spent together has been turned into an emotional video clip for Tomlinson’s new single “Two of Us”.
In the video, Richard explains throughout the course of his life, he’s been a taxi driver, an actor and singer.
“I started playing at the clubs and pubs when I was about 17 years old — I did 45 years of that and gave it up when my wife started being ill. She couldn’t be left alone.”
“Unfortunately, she’s gone now — two years this Christmas she’s been gone,” Richard says.
“I talk to her on a regular basis, even though she’s not here.”
The clip then fades to black and a text appears that reads, “I lost someone around the same time. My mum.”
Tomlinson’s mother Johannah Deakin died in 2016 from an aggressive form of leukemia.
Tomlinson explains he was so touched by Richard’s story that he decided to pay him a visit and help bring a little joy to his life.
That’s when Tomlinson shows up at Richard’s door.
After sharing a sweet embrace, Tomlinson and Richard begin talking about the women they lost.
“We lived a good life together,” Richard says of his wife. “I’m sorry to hear your mum at such an early age.”
“She was 43… We’re a big family so it hit us hard,” Tomlinson says in the clip.
Tomlinson then asks Richard about his bucket list and how it came about.
“It was something I’ve always fancied doing,” Richard says before the two embark on their adventures, which includes flying a helicopter, driving a race car and riding a roller coaster.
Getting a tattoo was also on Richard’s bucket list, but instead, he gave Tomlinson one.
While each activity proved to be more touching than the one before, Richard’s final item was the most moving.
Towards the end of the video, Tomlinson reveals Richard wanted to perform in a packed arena.
So, at one of his shows, Tomlinson brings Richard out and he belts out the incredibly technically demanding opera song, “Nessun Dorma”, bringing the entire audience to their feet.
“It’s been a good time with you Louis,” Richard says after his performance.
“It’s been lovely. No bulls—. Actually spending real time with you and feeling like we’ve gotten to know each other. It’s been really nice,” Tomlinson says back.
At the end of the clip, Tomlinson urges his fans to donate to the Alzheimer Society, Cancer Research UK and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.
RELATED: Louis Tomlinson Opened Up About Grieving His Mother’s Death Days Before Losing His Sister
The powerful video was filmed around the same time the singer tragically lost his younger sister. In March, Félicité Tomlinson died of a suspected cardiac arrest. She was 18.
Before her sudden death, Félicité, who was also known as Fizzy, worked as a model and influencer with over one million followers on Instagram.
One month later, Tomlinson broke his silence on Félicite’s sudden death writing, “Just wanted to thank everyone for their lovely words over the past couple of weeks.”
“Sending you all loads of love x.”