ORGANISERS of a fundraiser for 10-year-old cancer fighter Mason Naylor are pulling together a last minute line-up of entertainment after former England World Cup star Paul Gascoigne cancelled his appearance at short notice.

The event at Halton Stadium in Widnes is due to take place tonight.

Co-organiser of the fundraising event, Jason Miller, says he was notified at noon today that the former Everton player could not attend.

A spokesman for Mr Gascoigne said the ex-footballer had woken up with "a sickness bug".

The spokesman added: "He has offered to pay the cost of the food bill and donate £500 and a signed shirt towards Mason's charity."

The event is to raise funds for little Mason, from Dentons Green, who is currently having proton beam treatment in the US after being diagnosed with stage 3B Hodgkin Lymphoma in February.

Jason, who has pledged refunding the total ticket price for those who paid to attend the event, has been calling on all his contacts to pull together an event tonight for free.

Those attending having an opportunity to donate what they can for Mason.

Current stars attending the event at late notice are former Saints captain Bobbie Goulding, former Everton footballer Mark Ward and former Man City player Alex Williams.

St Helens' own Kiera Weathers and Stillia frontman Jack Bennett will also entertain guests.

Jason said: "To cancel this late on was a blow.

"This event was to raise funds for Mason, he (Gascoigne) might cancel but we aren't (Mason) letting him down. I'm doing everything I can to pull together a good night for everyone who was coming and hopefully still raise funds for Mason.

"Obviously everyone is getting a total refund, but they can come along and still have a good night, and hopefully donate what they can to help.

"If anyone wants to support us in any way come down, it's so important. This little lad is fighting cancer.

"I will do everything I can to pull off a great show. I thank everyone who has agreed last minute to come along."