Simon Cowell isn’t usually known for his generous spirit, but it sounds like American Idol’s perpetual villain is really a big softie. Simon shelled out big bucks to help an 18-month-old British cancer patient.

Sophie Atay suffers from rare, stage four neuroblastoma and was diagnosed earlier this year. Her doctors in Britain had exhausted all of their resources, but Sophie’s mother Karine was told that if she could get to a specialist for treatment within seven days, she would have a 90 percent chance of surviving the cancer – as opposed to her current odds of 20 percent. The visit to the specialist and treatment, however, would cost roughly $819,000.

Sophie’s case received lots of attention, and donations followed. However, when Karine found herself short about $163,960, Britain’s X Factor stars stepped in.

Recent X Factor winner Alexandra Burke called Simon to tell him about Sophie’s case. When he heard the news, he immediately donated the missing money.

“Now we’re hopeful Sophie will be on the flight to the U.S. today,” Burke said last night. Sophie will be treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital in New York City.

Simon still hasn’t spoken out about his generous gift, but we think this will earn him some brownie points next season. (Daily Mail)

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