FAMILY and friends of Andy Openshaw are hoping he will be home by the end of this week.

A desperate appeal was launched after Andy fractured his skull while on a stag weekend in Tenerife and his family were told they would need £30,000 to pay for an air ambulance to fly him home.

Although the 31-year-old has travel insurance, it will only cover his medical cost and not for an air ambulance to get him back to the UK.

Rob Hough, a close family friend, said: "He needs to be strong enough to survive the flight and will need to be monitored for the entire journey.

"His wife Laura had to come home with their two young children because the youngest wasn't very well so we really need to get him home but the response from the community has been amazing."

When his family and friends were told how much they needed, they flew into action, distributing collection pots in shops and cafes around Leigh, organising a charity night and collecting raffle prizes.

The refrigeration engineer has been dependent on a life-support machine since January 31.

Pupils at Twelve Apostles primary school in Leigh wore pyjamas to school on friday and a bag packing day at Tesco in Wigan raised a huge £1,640.

In just over one week, the Help Get Andy Home appeal has reached its target but will continue to accept donations for Andy's family.

Andy's gran Marjorie wrote on the Facebook page for the appeal: "Amazing response, all the family are deeply touched and thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts. He's such a wonderful lad, bless you all."