THE family of a North-East holidaymaker left fighting for his life when his pancreas burst while in Cuba have spoken of their elation at his phenomenal recovery.

Keith Rochester, 41, of Houghton-le-Spring, was placed on life support after falling ill while visiting the island with wife, Sharon.

He has now opened his eyes after being taken off the ventilator.

Wife, Sharon, who with sister Liz Cummings, has kept a bedside vigil, said: “He was so funny last night joking on and putting his thumbs up at the doctors and nurses.

“He was even saying he can’t wait to have some tomato soup, but I explained that could be while.

“He asked me to tell him exactly what had happened so I explained. Keith has a long road ahead but the doctors said he is phenomenal.”

Doctors initially thought he had appendicitis and operated on January 10 to discover his pancreas had burst.

Keith’s lung then collapsed and surgeons carried out a tracheostomy to help wean him off the ventilation. They kept his wound open in case they had to operate again.

Sharon said: “I am ecstatic. I’ve got everything crossed that he can have his tummy fully closed today and pray that he is remaining strong and positive.”

It has been particularly hard for relatives as his brother, Christopher Rochester, of Chester-le-Street, died after falling from a balcony on the Greek island of Rhodes in 2000 aged 24.

Keith’s mother Pam and George Cummings of Chester-le-Street, have been locked in legal battle after his body was flown home missing a kidney.

A Greek doctor was convicted in 2008 of neglecting Christopher during his treatment in hospital, but the dispute over the organ continues.

Sharon's friend Trudy Thompson has set up a GoFundMe page to help the family cover rising bills. Visit https://www.gofundme.com/helprochesters.