AROUND £45,000 has been raised by the friends and family of a man who remains in an Australian hospital after a quad bike accident as they bid to bring him home.

Mark Middlehurst, who is from Billinge, suffered the devastating injuries last November and is currently receiving treatment in Royal Perth Neurology Ward.

Straight after the accident his friends rallied round to send his parents Malcolm and Julie and brother to be by his bedside but now the aim is to bring Mark home where they hope he will respond to treatment. On the flight home Mark will need to be accompanied by a medical team.

David has returned home but his parents remained in Perth while Mark underwent an operation to replace part of his skull which was removed to relieve pressure on his brain.

Mark's friend Vikkie Brown explained: "The operation went well. He has been out in his wheelchair in Perth but is still unresponsive. They are looking at bringing him home in around three to four weeks and we will take it from there.

"It is looking like he will be in Walton Neuro for a short period then into a rehabilitation unit, hopefully one in Billinge. That's not suitable for Mark's care just yet so I think his family is looking at a unit in Haydock."

Vikkie said that the fundraising effort continues to gather pace. Tickets for a Ladies Night she organised sold out in one day raising £2,000. His friends and brother have also tackled treks in the Brecon Beacons and up Mount Snowdon.

Others who have pitched in with help include Costco, Sue and Paul Darbyshire at Billinge Soccer Centre and Barrow Raiders rugby club who organised a bucket collection which raised £800.

Vikkie added: "We want to thank everyone who has donated and fundraised. Mark's friends and family are eternally grateful. I think we have got enough to get Mark home but whatever is left will go towards the likes of a wheelchair and anything else he may need."

You can still donate via gofundme.com/mark-middlehurst.