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Simon Cowell pays off family's £80,000 mortgage on Oprah...before enjoying a spin in his $1million supercar
Last updated at 12:29pm on 21.03.08
Madelaine Stoen has to travel 100 miles for her cancer treatment
Simon Cowell has paid off a family's £80,000 mortgage after being touched by the plight of their three-year-old daughter, who has a rare form of cancer.
The pop mogul pledged to be a "guardian angel" to little Madelaine Stoen after meeting her parents on Oprah Winfrey's U.S. chat show.
Cowell, who was on the programme to promote his X-Factor starlet Leona Lewis, was close to tears after watching a video interview with Madelaine's parents, Randy and Amy, in which they told of the financial burden of her treatment.
When Miss Winfrey brought on the couple and introduced them to Cowell, he told them: "I know you are having problems with your mortgage. As of this afternoon, your mortgage has been paid off."
Since Madelaine was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer last month after developing a cyst in her nose, the Stoens have had to travel more than 100 miles from their Minnesota home each day for treatments.
Madelaine, who is starting to lose her hair, faces a year of being in and out of hospital as she undergoes radiation treatment.
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Simon Cowell showed his caring side by paying off the $162,000 (£80,000) mortgage of a couple whose daughter has been struck down by cancer
Millionaire around town: Simon took his $1million car for a spin, after discovering that it does actually feel good to help others. He credited Oprah for his new-found caring side
Later Cowell told Miss Winfrey: "The money for me is not the important part. It's when you see that film and that little girl.
"I said to the parents, 'It doesn't stop there. If there are any problems, I'm her guardian angel now.'"
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Winners: Simon appeared on top-rated chat show Oprah alongside protege Leona Lewis, who is launching her album in the US
Simon's generosity earned him a hug and a high five from host Oprah, who is well-known for her many generous acts of charity
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Reader views (2)
Despite what people think of Simon, he does actually do a lot for charity. But unlike other celebrities, its not publicised.
What a great man to give a family in despair a bit of happiness, good on you Simon!
- Sara White, London
I've always believed that Simon is not the evil villain that many accuse him of being. Simon is simply honest and most people can't handle true honesty. The kids that audition for him are there because they want to be over night sensations and when he bursts their bubbles by telling them the truth, that everyone around them already knows...they think he's mean and uncaring. In reality, he's doing all these kids a favour. The music business is cut throat and unless you have something truly special you are not going to make it. But they will have wasted a great deal of their lives. Simon is saving them that brutal heart ache.
The fact that Simon has a soft and sensitive side really shouldn't come as such a big surprise. Good for you Simon, it's nice to see people taking care of each other. Especially those that have the means to do so. Too many wealthy people hoard their money instead of using it to help those around them who really need help.
- Gail, Aspen, US
