As someone known for fighting a debilitating drug habit up to the end of his life, late singer George Michael is also now being fondly remembered for his off-the-radar generous ways and low-key acts of kindness.
The pop sensation spent much of his fortune helping several charities. Chief among the beneficiaries included Childline, the Macmillan Cancer Support, and the Terrence Higgins Trust which focuses on helping HIV patients.
Michael gave away royalties he earned from his 1996 hit single "Jesus To A Child," The Telegraph quoted Childline founder Dame Esther Rantzen as saying. She described him as an "extraordinarily generous philanthropist" whose donations helped numerous children and yet kept quiet about it.
"He was determined not to make his generosity public," Rantzen said, adding that no one except him knew how much he donated for the children because he kept a low profile. She said they nevertheless plan to push through with a musical tribute for the late singer in 2017 and the concert was one way of showing their appreciation for all the help he has given them.
Macmillan Cancer Support chief executive Lynda Thomas also conveyed their group's condolences to the late singer's family. Their charity was "extremely grateful" to George for the donations he contributed to their cause, the publication quoted her as saying.
For her part, Jane Barron of the Terrence Higgins Trust also thanked the pop icon for his assistance. Michael's help was a great boon to their group in providing services to HIV-afflicted individuals, the publication quoted her as saying. She also said, "George also often thought of us to kindly donate experiences and gifts that were used to raise vital funds to help us support people living with HIV."
Aside from his generous gestures towards charities, Michael was also known to have extended assistance to several individuals albeit anonymously. According to TV presenter and quiz master Richard Osman, Michael once secretly funded the IVF treatment of a "Deal or No Deal" contestant. He said the treatment cost £15,000 ($18,400).
Michael had sold more than 100 records worldwide, according to The Sun. Watch fans remembering his generosity here: