CELEBRITIES and people from around the world have backed a campaign to support a young girl that was launched by a Dorset woman.

Julie Croley, from Weymouth, inset, launched a campaign to send cards of support to a 13-year-old girl in Australia who was abused by a paedophile ring.

When Julie read the girl’s story, she knew she wanted to do something to bring her a small comfort and let her know people are thinking of her.

The campaign was first published in the Echo last month and has gathered pace in recent weeks, with cards of support arriving from the USA, Ireland, Australia and Canada.

Star names have also got behind the appeal, with Dame Shirley Bassey and Right Said Fred’s Fred and Richard Fairbrass sending cards of support.

Julie now has more than 100 cards ready for when she travels to Perth in Australia early next year.

Sixty of the cards have come from students at a Junior High School in Edmonton, Canada after their teacher saw the appeal.

Julie has long put her support behind various campaigns to raise money for good causes, such as Dorset’s women’s refuge, but this time wanted to raise support during a little girl’s time of need.

She used her contacts who have helped her to raise money for causes in the past and Dame Shirley Bassey has once again come forward to try and support the cause.

Julie said: “She (Dame Shirley Bassey) is so lovely. She has supported all my fundraisers.

“She’s just brilliant and very very supportive.”

Julie also wanted to thank the teacher at the Canadian school who by sharing the story with students has acquired gifts as well as cards.

She said: “The teacher in Canada, she’s shared what I’m doing with two of her classes.

“From there we’ve got 60 cards and some gifts for the girl.”

Julie’s son lives in Perth with his girlfriend and Julie hopes to display the cards for the girl to see while on a visit there early next year.

Julie is now in contact with the head of children’s services in Perth and hopes she now has a way in so that the girl will be able to not just see the support but directly receive them and the gifts.

She also wanted to urge people one last time to carry on sending cards to show support for the young girl.

Cards can be sent up until December 31 on PO Box 9090 Weymouth, DT3 4GQ if you want to join the support for the girl.