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Amelia and mum, Chantal Saunders, with Danyl Johnson
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Danyl’s songs for Amelia’s Miracle

By Paul Cassell
April 26, 2012

X Factor star Danyl Johnson wowed the crowds as he sang to help raise much-needed funds for a little girl with an incurable brain tumour.

The Aborfield singer performed songs including Purple Rain and With A Little Help From My Friends as musicians gave their support to Amelia’s Miracle at The Crown pub in Playhatch on Sunday.

Three-year-old Amelia Saunders and her parents Chantal and Richard joined in the party having just returned from the US where she had specialist treatment which could save her life.

The Lower Earley toddler has captured the hearts of people in and around Reading who have given more than £155,000 towards the £200,000 to cover her medical costs.

Former teacher Danyl, 29, who was catapulted to fame after becoming a finalist on the TV talent show in 2009, said: “I got to hang out with Amelia for the first hour I was there. I did not know her or the family before but it was great to see she has come so far.

“She got up and was walking around and eating chips just like a normal kid. She and her parents have been so brave and have never given up and it seems like the people of Reading haven’t given up either, which is so lovely to see.”

Amelia underwent experimental antineoplaston therapy at the Burzynski Clinic in Houston, Texas, and is having blood tests every other day to determine if further treatment is required.

Mr Saunders, 34, said: “Sunday’s fundraiser was amazing. Even through it was throwing it down with rain, everyone came inside and did their thing.

“Danyl came and chatted to us for ages and nearly everyone who has been involved in fundraising for us turned up. It was lovely to come back to.”

The event at the Foxhill Lane pub raised more than £1,500 and also featured music throughout the day by covers band El Camino, singer-songwriter Edd Keene and guitarist David Herries. There was also face-painting, balloon modelling and a caricaturist as well as a barbecue and raffle with prizes including meals out, a ukulele, music and salsa lesson, drinks and beauty products.

El Camino singer Beccy Kean, from Caversham, organised the event after hearing about the cause at Inglewood Day Nursery in Sonning attended by Amelia’s baby sister Charlotte and her own son George.

She said: “When I heard about Amelia it really broke my heart. I knew we would do a gig for free and started getting other bands together and everyone jumped on board.

“The pub was packed and the staff were running around all day long. I feel incredibly overwhelmed and very emotional about it because so many people gave their support.”

For more information visit www.ameliasmiracle.com

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Most recent user comments 11 of 11

Charity work is probably all he gets offered these days.

Hugh J, Reading
27/04/2012 at 09:44

Danyl Johnson is such a dedicated charity worker - Well done for bringing people's attention to Amelia, Chantal and Richard Saunders' cause.

3munkees Volunteer Fundraisers
26/04/2012 at 14:43

Sorry Danyl, I mean "The Robot" :-)

DK74
26/04/2012 at 13:52

D**K74

The Robot , Reading
26/04/2012 at 13:35

Lighten up, for goodness sake!

DK74
26/04/2012 at 13:12

I don't like his music, or the whole X factor thing, but he does appear (in GR) to do a lot of work for local charities which encourages people who do to turn out and support - so fair play to him.

Chip Skipper
26/04/2012 at 12:39

"Nah, I've seen him. He's got cards made up. And inside that hat it's got "Danyl Johnson - X Factor star" as a nametag. DK74"

I would hazard that would be the on same day you saw the Flying Spaghetti Monster ...dunno which is worse, claiming to have seen him, or groundlessly insulting him....perhaps both are accurate.