Simon Cowell breaks down in tears during emotional moment at Together For Short Lives charity ball

ok.co.uk:

Simon Cowell might be known for his no-nonsense, straight-talking persona - but the 64 year old revealed a decidedly softer side at Together For Short Lives ball, with his fiancée Lauren Silverman.The X Factor judge, 64 - who is a patron of the charity which raises vital funds for palliative care for children fighting life-threatening conditions - broke down in tears on stage and announced that he "couldn't talk", taking to the stage after hearing a mother speak movingly about her family's own devastating journey.

Lauren, 46, took over as Simon tried to compose himself, and began by saying: "One of the things that has affected us most is that your son died on our son's birthday on Valentine's Day." Then Simon - who shares nine year old son Eric with Lauren - stepped in to encourage people to support the charity organisation, but found he was really chocked up as he spoke.

He said: "What we've just heard is why we we want to support this charity. It is heartbreaking, but it's real and everyone here will make a difference, not just financially, but by just telling other people because these stats are horrific." The entrepreneur's voice then broke as he said "I can't talk" and stepped away from the mic.

Simon was dressed smartly in a black suit and white shirt when his emotions got the better of him after asking people to pledge their support.The music mogul, of course, famously left several buttons undone and was wearing his trademark sunglasses when pictured on the red carpet.