A family is counting their blessings after news that their father, stranded in India with life-threatening injuries, will finally be returning home to Norfolk.

Gorleston man Lenny Wooldridge has been in hospital in Goa for almost three months with a punctured lung, fractured ribs and severe head trauma following a fall during a holiday on March 1.  

Since then, his family has endured an emotional rollercoaster, at times dreading they might never be able to bring the 79-year-old home on account of the severity of his injuries and the cost of repatriation - £35,000.

But a call for donations has seen the Wooldridges raise more than £20,000 and now it is expected that he will be flown back to the UK early next week.

Eastern Daily Press: Lenny Wooldridge's family have been able to see him over videocalls to a hospital in Goa in India.Lenny Wooldridge's family have been able to see him over videocalls to a hospital in Goa in India. (Image: Supplied by Wooldridge family)

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Susan Wooldridge, his daughter-in-law, said: "The fundraising has been absolutely amazing.

"So many kind and generous people have donated direct to the Go Fund Me page, and the Theatre Tavern held a fun day last Friday, which we attended, so we're hoping their donation will bring us up to the amount needed to fly Lenny home."

Eastern Daily Press: Lenny Wooldridge is well known around Gorleston and Great Yarmouth as a 'mechanic extraordinaire'.Lenny Wooldridge is well known around Gorleston and Great Yarmouth as a 'mechanic extraordinaire'. (Image: Supplied by Wooldridge family)

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This weekend, a repatriation company will fly out to India and accompany Mr Wooldridge home, with two clinicians providing care during the flight.

"We can’t wait to see him back in Gorleston," Ms Wooldridge said. 

"It’s a day we never thought would come, not just the cost involved but the news early on after his accident that his recovery if any would not be great."

 

 

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When Mr Wooldridge was first taken to hospital, he was put on life-support and doctors were pessimistic about his chances.

But over the weeks his condition has improved and although still bed-bound and unable to move his left side, he is looking "brighter most days".

"His fighting spirit is definitely shining through," Ms Wooldridge said.

To donate visit www.gofundme.com/f/lets-get-lenny-home