A MOTHER has thanked dozens of generous people who have offered to help after an Olly Murs concert lead to the cancellation of a fundraiser for her daughter.

Emily Sinclair had booked Colchester United’s Weston Homes Community Stadium for June 10 earlier this year.

She was hoping to raise the final £25,000 her daughter Alexia, three, needs in order to fly to America for a special operation to help her walk.

However, Mrs Sinclair and her husband found yesterday their event had been pushed aside after the venue booked Olly for the same date.

The family has since received more than 160 emails from people offering to help. New sponsorship pages have also emerged with donations flooding in.

Mrs Sinclair, of Weeley, said: “I haven’t managed to go through the emails yet. It’s amazing.

“There are so many to read. People have been so generous.”

Alexia has quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy, epilepsy and sensory issues, which prevent her from walking.

Yesterday, a spokesman for Olly said he had not been aware of Alexia’s event until Monday when he was told on social media.

The Gazette has asked if he was going to do anything for Alexia, but he did not reply in time for print.

Mrs Sinclair said the stadium had offered to move her event to a different date but the other services she had booked were not available.

She is now sorting out a new venue with groups such as Colchester’s Highways Social Club coming forward to help.

A Just Giving page has also been set up by a friend of the family, asking everyone to donate £2 to the cause. So far more than £200 has been raised.

Mrs Sinclair said: “I woke up feeling really sad this morning people on social media are having a go at Olly.

“I just feel we were the poor person and the stadium was going to get more money from a concert.”

Yesterday, a spokesman for Colchester United said: “We have had a number of conversations with the event organisers for the Help Alexia Walk fundraiser this morning and have resolved the situation to the satisfaction of both parties.

“As they had booked acts for the event on June 10, they have chosen to move the fundraiser to another venue. For clarity, Olly Murs and his team were completely unaware of the charity event when confirming their show.

“Having helped with donations for the charity’s fundraisersin the past couple of years, Colchester United will continue to lend our support for next year’s event to ensure the night is a success.

“We have offered the charity the opportunity to fundraise at one of our first team match days in 2017 and we’re sure that will provide the chance to raise more valuable funds for Alexia.”