The family of six-year-old cancer sufferer Robyn Brooks today thanked Bradford people for their help in raising money for treatment which could save her life.

Karen and Garry Brooks said they were touched by the level of support for their daughter after the family of pop idol Gareth Gates held fundraising events to highlight her plight.

"We would like to say a huge thanks to the people of Bradford for their outstanding support to the Robyn Brooks Appeal," said Karen. "Your generosity and kindness has been beyond our wildest expectations and you deserve to be very proud of yourselves."

Little Robyn, of Rochdale, suffers from a rare and aggressive form of cancer which is classed as terminal in this country.

Her only hope of survival lies in Houston, Texas, where doctors believe they may have developed a treatment which could cure the disease.

Gareth's family learned of Robyn's plight after she placed a message on one of his internet fansites.

Led by his auntie Angie Baker and her friend Maxine Broadbent, the family have since organised a host of fundraising events for Robyn's Fund, culminating in a Pop Idol event at Pennington's nightclub on Monday.

Two weeks ago, Gareth spent his only free weekend since Pop Idol ended meeting Robyn in Rochdale.

Karen said that Robyn's condition had been fairly stable in recent weeks, and the family are planning to fly out to America at the end of March for the start of her treatment, which could take up to a year.

And Garry said the support of Gareth had helped to raise the profile of the campaign, which has since been featured on national television.

"The family have been 110 per cent behind the appeal," he said. "They are literally like family to us - it's like having your auntie and uncle help out.

"We can't thank them enough for what they have done and the Telegraph & Argus for their help in covering Robyn's plight, which no doubt contributed in making The Pennington's night such a huge success."

And Garry said the family are now looking forward to the release of Gareth's debut single Unchained Melody, and hoping to take in one of his concerts.

"Robyn can't wait until Monday when the single comes out, and she is upset that our local radio station isn't playing it yet."

Gareth's mum Wendy said she was "absolutely delighted" with the response from the Bradford people to the appeal for Robyn's Fund.

"The night at Penningtons was absolutely amazing and the amount of money that was raised was just phenomenal. We hope we can continue to support Robyn and hold more charity nights for her."