A FUNDRAISING campaign has been launched to help bring a Darwen man, critically injured in a quad biking accident in Greece, back to the town.

Yesterday Caitlin Jones, who has raised money for a number of good causes in the area, announced several events that will take place over the next six weeks to try and raise vital funds to bring 20-year-old Mason Ralph back home.

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Mason, of Marsh House Lane, was in Malia on the island of Crete five weeks ago when the crash happened.

He was initially in a coma and doctors told his family to prepare for the worst, but he has since proved them wrong and his condition is improving every day.

He suffered three fractured vertebrae, a punctured lung, liver damage and suspected brain damage.

But his family, including dad Simon who remains at his bedside, are now expecting it will cost around £27,000 to bring him back to the UK once he is well enough to fly.

Mason’s auntie, Alison Ralph, said: “As a family we are overwhelmed by the support we’ve had so far.

“It’s great to see so many people are helping us.

“We want to get Mason back home as soon as he is fit to travel back here, but it looks like it is going to be about £27,000 to fly him back with the medical support he needs.

“That’s why this fundraising is so important.

“We can do our own events but we have to try and carry on with our own lives as well and with work, so to have the support of Caitlin is great.”

Yesterday the fund was kickstarted by Darwen Town Council donating £250.

The first event will take place on July 25 with a name the bear competition at Darwen Market.

On August 1 there will be a bucket collection in the town centre, while on the same night there will be an evening of entertainment at Hoddlesden Conservative Club, and then another evening of entertainment at the Anchor Hotel on August 7.

A charity football match takes place at the WEC Anchor Ground on August 21, and a family fun day at the Anchor Hotel on August 29.

Caitlin, 19, said: “When I read about Mason I said to my mum straight away that I wanted to do something. The support has been fantastic. Darwen is a close town and everybody wants to help bring Mason home.”

Level One nightclub, football club AFC Darwen, the Anchor pub, Hoddlesden Conservative Club, Slaters Ink and Darwen Markets have all offered their support fpr the campaign already.