A DRAG queen has been overwhelmed by the support from fans after a shock loss of hearing caused by a tumour.

Brighton performer Miss Jason, real name Jason Sutton, was left with tinnitus and balance problems earlier this summer.

Doctors found a tumour affecting his ear and he was awaiting the results of an MRI scan.

But fans rallied around the stage star, who has performed for more than 20 years.

An online funding page raised thousands of pounds to help Miss Jason get new hearing aids to allow the popular performer to continue entertaining.

Jason will soon start hearing therapy, and said: “I will never be able to thank you enough.”

Previously Miss Jason’s partner Terry Ward said the diagnosis has had a huge impact on the pillar of the LGBT community.

The tumour has prevented the star from returning to the stage at a time when gay venues have started to reopen and drag queens are once again entertaining crowds.

Mr Ward said: “We are waiting to get the MRI scan completed.

“He has gone through lockdown and was already pretty down about it anyway, he wanted to get back to work.

“The ban on performances was lifted and drag queens have started performing, but that is not possible for him at the moment.

“So he is very down about it, but wants to get it sorted sooner rather than later.

“He has to spend a lot of time resting, but he has had so much support from everyone.

“It was so surprising when they set up the fundraising page.

“We are so pleased with the donations people have made.”

The online donation page was set up by Ollie James-Parr, who plays for the LGBT football team London Titans, sponsored by the Two Brewers bar where Miss Jason often performs in London.

He said: “Miss Jason is a pillar of the LGBT community, having entertained crowds nationwide for decades.

“Right now she needs our help to recover from a debilitating illness so that she can return to the stage, where she belongs. Three weeks ago she went deaf in her left ear.

“Following medical examination it was confirmed that Jason has a tumour which has killed off the localised nerve endings and the only treatment is with hearing aids.

“Jason is currently suffering with terrible tinnitus, affecting her ability to listen and concentrate hugely. Understandably this has also had a knock-on effect on her balance.

“This has been a huge shock to Jason, as the condition happened overnight and, financially, the hearing aids are not viable with her not having worked since March.”

In total, the fundraiser online made £5,678.

In a message to fans Miss Jason said: “It’s amazing thank you all so much.

“I am totally overwhelmed. Tomorrow I get my hearing aids and then can start the hearing therapy .

“I will never be able to thank you enough.”