THE family and friends of a Netherfield man stranded in a Tunisian hospital after falling from a balcony have thanked Post readers for their generosity.
Sign-fitter Karl Nethercot, 35, was in a coma with severe head and chest injuries after he fell from his second-floor hotel balcony on October 2.
He was awoken from the medically induced coma on Wednesday and the family are now facing a £20,000 bill to fly him back to the UK – a cost not covered by his travel insurance.
However, close family friend Tracy Minion, 34, of Valeside Gardens, Colwick, who is assistant manager at the Vale Social Club in Vale Road, Colwick, said the generosity of strangers had been overwhelming and so far £2,000 had been raised.
She said: "We have been astounded by what people have donated.
"Since we spoke to the Post and the story was printed on the front page, we have been getting lots of donations.
"People have been posting £50 notes, and they are complete strangers to the family.
"What is more, local businesses like Morrisons at Victoria Retail Park, who have put collection tins at the tills, and printing company Blueprint of Colwick, who have printed us a massive sign saying 'Help us fly him home,' have been amazing.
"It has really helped draw attention to what we are doing and hopefully will eventually mean we have enough to help get Karl home.
"It has been such a hard time for Karl's family and his six children.
"His fiance Emma has stayed out there in Tunisia with him and now his mum, dad and sister, who live in Leicester have flown out to the hospital. His parents have just applied to re-mortgage their home, which will help towards the flight home, but there are still huge medical bills that need paying.
"It is just so heart-warming to see utter strangers helping out and we all want to say 'thank you' to everyone who has donated."
Karl's sister-in-law Samantha Davison, 24, of Vale Road, Colwick, added: "Karl is making good progress.
"He is moving his hands, legs and head. We still have a long way to go to reach the target. Emma went to see him in the room the other day, and she was telling him about all the fundraising we are all doing here and that the boys are missing them like crazy.
"We have started a scrap book for Karl, which has all sorts of photos and quotes from his friends and family. We all want him back where he belongs."
A series of fundraising events have already taken place at Karl's local, the Vale Social Club, and events are planned for the next month to keep the donations coming in. To find out about the events planned, go to the Facebook page called Please Pray and Keep Karl Nethercot in Our Thoughts and to donate to the fundraising efforts send money to the Vale Social Club, 54 Vale Road, Colwick.
