A TUMBLE family have been overwhelmed by the support they have received from friends, neighbours and the wider community as they finally near the target in their bid to get their sick father home from the Caribbean.

The family of Clive Rees were left distraught after being told they faced a £65,000 bill to bring the pensioner home after he was injured in a car crash while holidaying with his wife and family in Barbados.

The group had travelled to the paradise island to celebrate Clive’s 65th birthday but their excitement turned to heartbreak when he was injured in the crash on just the second day of the trip.

Clive was treated in an intensive care unit at a hospital on the island after developing pneumonia and breathing difficulties.

The family were told that due to his injuries and ill health, Clive would not be permitted to return home on a commercial flight.

The family were then told that they would have to raise £65,000 to fly him home.

However, after seven desperate weeks, the family have finally found a way to get Clive back to south Wales at a reduced fee.

Daughter Tracy, who has been campaigning to raise money since the accident – which happened on May 13 – said the family had been stunned by the help they have received from friends and neighbours.

“My family has been overwhelmed by the support from the local community", said Tracy.

“We have managed to reduce the fee to get my dad home.

“He can fly home business class for £16,000 which is a huge difference.

“The flight home will include an ambulance to and from airports both sides and also doctors and nurses on board with him.”

The Tumble community and the Co-Op store in Cross Hands, where Sonia currently works, has been hugely supportive of the family as they now near their target.

“We have raised around £10,500 so far,” said Tracy.

“My brother’s friend helped arrange a curry evening which raised £1,700.

“Also Tumble fire brigade held an event last weekend and are also hosting a village walk next week.

“Primary schools in Tumble are hosting fundraising events as well as the Tumble Working Men’s Club where we are organising a comedian hypnotist evening on July 15 as well as a disco from 5.30pm until 7.30.”

“We have been grateful to all family members and everyone involved in helping get my father home.”

Tracy is also open for any further fundraising ideas which can help raise the final five thousand pounds required to get her dad home.

To find out more about the appeal you can visit crowdfunding.justgiving.com/tracy-rees