A MOTHER whose fundraising appeal to save the life of her baby was completed by X Factor judge Simon Cowell has thanked everyone who donated money to it.

The TV celebrity is paying to help send Sophie Atay, of Birtley, near Chester-le- Street, to the US for pioneering treatment that could save her life.

Sophie, who is nearing her second birthday, was diagnosed in February with an aggressive form of a rare cancer called stage four neuroblastoma.

Earlier this year, her family launched an appeal to raise £500,000 to send her for treatment in the US.

Sophie’s family raised £450,000 from 23,000 people within days.

Cowell was told of the appeal by singer Alexandra Burke, the 21-year-old winner of last year’s X Factor contest, and decided to give some of his fortune to the cause.

Sophie’s mother, Karine, 33, said: “I do not know what to say. We can get that treatment now and that is absolutely fantastic.

“They have made one mam a very, very happy woman and they’ve saved the life of one little girl. I will always be indebted to them.”