Gary Barlow has thanked fans for their "overwhelming" support after his daughter Poppy was stillborn.

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

The star told fans on Twitter today: "Your kind words and lovely messages are overwhelming. thank you."

A charity fund has been set up by fans in his daughter's memory and aims to raise £100,000 for the stillbirth and neonatal death charity Sands. 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 (Take That) fans."

The 41-year-old singer previously spoke about how he was looking forward to becoming a father for the fourth time with his wife, a 42-year-old dancer. The X Factor judge announced in February that his wife was expecting another child - a sister for Daniel, Emily and Daisy.

Friends and colleagues of the singer expressed their condolences. Former bandmate Robbie Williams, whose wife Ayda Field is expecting their first child, posted a message on his blog saying: "My thoughts are with Gary, Dawn and family right now x."

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

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 Gary 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.