No matter how you’re born, you can overcome it

X Factor star’s boost for kids with cleft palate

therapy and escape.” Danny said: “I was born in 1980, kids were less accepting. People can be cruel when you look different. This is why I want to raise awareness for the condition.”

Recently he called William, who refuses to take off Danny’s T-shirt and tells everyone about his “new best friend”.

Danny, of Benidorm, said: “William got in touch saying I was his hero. On the first live show I sang Mariah Carey’s Hero for him.

“I had sent him a T-shirt and his family sent a video of him in it and we ended up face timing. “I’ve received so many messages from cleft palate patients so I recorded videos of thanks.

“Being on The X Factor gives me a platform to help people on a bigger scale to show people no matter how you are born, you can overcome it.”

He told how presenter Carol Vorderman, whose brother has a cleft lip, had sent him a “wonderful” message of support.

William’s mum, Lucy Stotty, 35, of Durham, said she is staggered by his kindness.

She said: “When Danny called him he was in awe.

“He said, ‘Hi William, my little best friend’. He was crying, I was tearful, William was overjoyed.

“His six-year-old brother wants to go on X Factor, now William’s saying it too. It’s humbling to know Danny cares.”