A FUNDRAISING drive launched to bring home a five-year-old boy who was seriously injured on holiday has exceeded its target in less than a week.

Alex Thornton, 33, who will be climbing the Yorkshire Three Peaks next month, set a £10,000 fundraising target to raise money for Alek Malinka who is currently in a coma in the Czech Republic following a sledging accident whilst on holiday with his father, Peter.

Within days donations to cover the costs of the family’s flights back to the UK flooded in from across the country and the current fundraising total now stands at almost £14,000.

The family were enjoying a week-long trip when the accident happened and Alek’s mum, Ela and sister have since flown out to join them.

Alex, of Pickering, said that Alek, who attends St Joseph’s Primary School, remains in a coma and that although he can come home as soon as the doctors allow it, it is almost certain now that he will never fully recover from the serious head injuries suffered.

He said: “The doctors are talking to his parents about his future and the best and worst case scenarios relating to his long-term recovery.

“The best possible outcome his parents are not praying for is that he regains consciousness. Anything more than that would be a miracle but it is likely he will face considerable physical and mental disabilities for the rest of his life as a result of his brain injury.”

Following the update from Peter on Alek’s current condition, the fundraising target has now been raised to £30,000 to help provide support for the family once they are back at their home in Thornton Dale.

Alex said that the money raised will be used to help the family adapt their lives to meet Alek’s needs.

He said: “The overnight transition from happy family with two healthy kids to the situation they are now facing must be truly devastating. I think it is important we keep the fundraising campaign open and keep supporting them.”

Donations have been made from local residents and businesses across Ryedale including from parents and children at St Joseph’s School, Pickering, who have so far raised more than £1,000 from car boot sales and other fundraising activities.

Alex said: “I have been absolutely amazed by how generous people have been. It demonstrates how a local community can pull together to help those in need and Alek’s parents are taking a lot of comfort from all the thoughts and prayers and not just the financial support they are receiving.”

As Alex trains for the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge he is also hoping that clubs and local societies will come together to organise some own events or sponsored challenges to help reach the fundraising target.

To donate visit gofundme.com/pybl7g