Gary Barlow fans set up charity in memory of stillborn baby Poppy

Pop star Gary Barlow and his wife Dawn (Getty Images)

Fans of Gary Barlow have started a charity fund in memory of the star's stillborn daughter Poppy.

The campaign aims to raise £100,000 for the stillbirth and neonatal death charity Sands.

Gary Barlow has thanked fans for their "overwhelming" support. The star told fans on Twitter today: "Your kind words and lovely messages are overwhelming. thank you."

A page, set up on justgiving.com, said the move is a "mark of respect".

A statement said: "As fans and many of us as parents we all want to show love and support to the Barlow family.

"Here we can make a difference, and leave united messages of love and support. This is a united donation from all Gary Barlow and TT fans."

The singer and his wife, Dawn, issued a statement earlier this week saying Poppy was delivered stillborn in London on Saturday.

He said: "Our focus now is giving her a beautiful funeral and loving our three children with all our hearts. We'd ask at this painful time that our privacy be respected."

The 41-year-old singer had previously spoken about how he was looking forward to becoming a father for the fourth time with his wife, a 42-year-old dancer.

The Take That star and X-Factor judge announced in February that his wife was expecting another child.

In April, Barlow, already a father to Daniel, Emily and Daisy, wrote on Twitter: "There's gonna be another girl in the Barlow household!"

Friends and colleagues of the singer expressed their condolences on Twitter.

Fellow X Factor judge Tulisa Contostavlos wrote: "My thoughts & prayers are with GBarlowOfficial and wife dawn tonight. Heartbreaking x."

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Andrew Lloyd Webber wrote: "Dearest Dawn & Gary, Madeleine & I are devastated about news of Poppy. Our thoughts & prayers are with you and your family. GBarlowOfficial."

The announcement has cast doubt on whether Barlow will appear at Sunday's Olympics closing ceremony.

The singer has been widely tipped to play the show with his Take That bandmates and a final decision is expected later this week.

PA