FAMILY and friends of Mark Middlehurst, who suffered devastating head injuries in a motorbike accident in Australia last November, are campaigning to secure funds so he can be looked after in the family home.

Doctors have told the Mark's family that despite minor improvements, the 29-year-old is likely to remain severely mentally and physically disabled for the rest of his life.

Mark, nicknamed 'Mig', was involved in the accident on November 3, 2015 – just weeks before he'd been due to return home from his travels - and was cared for at Royal Perth Hospital until he was flown home in March, thanks to more than £50,000 funds.

His parents Julie and Malcolm, from Billinge, say they hope to have Mark at home in around 12 months' time, but the house will need to be extended and adapted, and special equipment bought, first.

Julie said: “Mark has made some small improvements. He appears to be more aware of his surroundings. He smiles and sometimes waves at staff, family and friends.

“Family and friends continue to visit Mark - the same wonderful people who supported us from the beginning by fundraising to sustain our stay in Australia.”

She added: “Although his consultant neurologist is unable to predict the extent of Mark's recovery, sadly we understand that he will remain severely mentally and physically disabled and will require a high level of care for the rest of his life.”

She said: “Hopefully after extensive alterations to our house, he will be able to come home to be cared for by his family and a team of carers.”

Mark's friend Vikkie Brown, who travelled with him to Thailand before he went on to Australia, told the Star: “Mark will need a bed suitable for him a wheelchair and various other high tech equipment to make him as comfortable as possible.”

Receptionist Vikkie, 24, added: “We're all beginning to come to terms with it now. We visit him two or three times a week.

“He's never going to be like he used to be but he is improving – he is smiling and giving us a thumbs-up.

“The physios had him holding his guitar and he strummed a few strings. That was a real emotional moment.”

After arriving in Manchester in March, Mark was initially taken to the Walton Neurological Hospital, later being moved to Oak Vale Gardens rehabilitation care home, in Liverpool.

A fundraising event – Mig's Winter Wonderland Ball - will be held on November 19 at St Mary's Club in Billinge.

Vikkie said: “We would really appreciate your help to raise as much as we possibly can for this brave and amazing young man who had his whole exciting life ahead of him, that unfortunately was taken from him.

“We raised a total of £61,000 to get him home so I have good faith we'll do it again. Tickets for the ball cost £20 and are selling out quickly – alternatively, people can donate on the gofundme page.”

For information about the ball, go to the 'Migs Winter Wonderland Ball' page on Facebook.

To make a donation go to gofundme.com/mark-middlehurst.