GENEROUS islanders teamed up to raise cash for a brave 80-year-old who was burgled at knifepoint.

Kind-hearted cleaner Julie Abery, 44, of Rattwick Drive, Canvey, launched an online fundraising campaign after hearing how an armed thief demanded money and jewellery from the pensioner after breaking into her home.

The Echo revealed yesterday the quick-thinking 80-year-old locked the intruder in the conservatory of her home in Cedar Road, Canvey, while she ran to her neighbours for help - but he was able to escape with hundreds of pounds of cash.

The woman was saving up money for her grandchild's birthday party.

The Crowd Funding campaign has already beaten its £300 target.

Mrs Abery, who runs Canvey Cleaners, said the incident has left her feeling "physically sick."

She added: "I first saw about the incident on Facebook, someone had posted about a lot of police in area. Then people were commenting and writing about what had happened.

“When I found out what had happened I felt physically sick, it’s terrible. Then I saw the daughter of the lady posting about the fact that they were saving for a child’s birthday and I just had to help.

“I remembered that one of my staff once set up a funding raising page for somebody and I thought why not set one up to help this family.

“I thought I can donate a tenner and if everybody chips in we can really help out this family."

The cash will be used for the birthday party.

Business owners have also offered their services for the event free of charge.

Mrs Abery added: “So many people have been posting and everybody has really got involved, one man said he will help us put on the party and another lady said she will donate catering equipment such as a chocolate fountain.

“It was so quick and easy and doesn’t feel like I have done much really. The family have been in touch and said they are in tears and so touched by what I have done.”

The 80-year-old was taken to hospital for treatment after being left with a small cut on her arm from the knife, but was discharged later in the evening.

The burglary took place between 7pm and 8pm on Monday.

For more information, or to donate, visit https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/canveycares.