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

Mr Thornton, of Pickering, North Yorkshire, said that Alek, who attends St Joseph’s Primary School in the town, remains in a coma.

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 praying for is that he regains consciousness. It is likely he will face considerable physical and mental disabilities for the rest of his life.”

Following the update from Mr Malinka 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.

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

To donate visit gofundme.com/pybl7g