Preston Mahon has been a bodyguard for some of the biggest names in the world of music, including One Direction, Boyzone and Westlife, but he has been forced to stop working due to his health
Louis Tomlinson and former bodyguard Preston Mahon
Louis Tomlinson, former One Direction member, has stepped in to aid his ex-Irish bodyguard who is in dire need of life-saving surgery.
Preston Mahon, 54, was a familiar face alongside Louis and his former bandmates – Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Liam Payne, and Zayn Malik, ensuring the boys could navigate safely through their throngs of adoring fans.
Preston recently had to hit pause on his nearly three-decade-long career, which saw him working with some of the biggest names in showbiz like One Direction, Boyzone, and Westlife, due to his declining health. Initially, doctors told Preston he needed knee surgery.
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However, post-operation, they discovered a blocked artery in his thigh, leading to an angioplasty to clear the clot in his left thigh.
Louis Tomlinson donated $4000 to Preston Mahon’s Go Fund Me page
Unfortunately, the artery has re-blocked, and he’s been informed that the NHS can’t step in until the situation becomes “dire” – meaning he needs a bypass or amputation, according to friends.
Having spent all his savings on treatment, Preston now finds himself in a changed circumstance, requiring life-saving surgery on both legs.
The surgery comes with a hefty price tag of €35,000 ($40,318.25), breaking down to just over $20159 per leg. While his loved ones have set up a GoFundMe, Louis, known for his generous heart, has contributed $5,231.80 to the cause, reports the Irish Mirror.
“I’m so appreciative, it means the world to me,” Preston shared with The Sun. He also reached out to Louis, a native of Doncaster, to express his gratitude for the generous act.
“I can’t thank him enough, wow. I wasn’t expecting that. I sent Louis a text personally saying thank you.
“All the boys from One Direction mean the world to me, I met up with all the lads again at Liam’s funeral exactly a year ago, it was the saddest time ever but a lovely reunion.”
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Preston had previously undergone a private operation in Spain to have stents fitted, performed by the same doctor who treated his father’s knees in Madrid. One Direction fans, accustomed to seeing Preston at concerts and outside the band’s hotels, have shown their support on social media.
“We love you Preston,” one fan wrote. Another added: “Louis has donated £4K to the fundraiser for Preston Mahone, who’s worked previously with the band. Preston has lost most of his physical ability and use of his legs.”
Yet another fan chimed in: “Louis has donated £4000 to the fundraiser whose goal is to enable Preston Mahon, former security guard for One Direction, to undergo a life-saving operation!”
You can contribute to Preston’s GoFundMe here https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-prestons-legs.
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