THE family fighting for justice for their son who died in a Greek hospital have hit their fundraising target.

The parents of Christopher Rochester, 24, of Chester-le-Street, fly to Rhodes this Saturday for the appeal of three doctors convicted of his manslaughter through negligence.

The generosity of people in the town means that Christopher's parents, Pam and George Cummings know they have the money for their legal expenses.

"In about a week of solid fund-raising we got over £3,000," said Christopher's stepfather.

"We held a music night at the Osbourne Working Men's Club and we were expecting to get about £600 but we got £1,100. We can't thank the people of Chester-le-Street and the surrounding area enough for their generosity.

"Without their help we wouldn't be able to go out there on Saturday and get justice for Chris.

"We have received a great deal of strength and support from people, not just money. If we get what we want out there it will be their success as well as ours."

A sponsored silence, street collections and donations to the trust fund set up by the family secured the necessary funds

The doctors were convicted in 2003 and jailed for three years but the sentence was not implemented pending an automatic appeal.

The doctors are still practising and the family say they want to spare other families the agony they have suffered.

The family say Christopher, a barman and pub DJ, did not get the treatment he needed after a balcony fall.

The Cummings have had to hire two lawyers, one from Athens and another based on Rhodes, to argue for the convictions to be upheld.

Without the representation, estimated to cost £4,500 for an expected three-day hearing, the family could lose their battle.

A party of ten will go to Rhodes, accompanied by a TV documentary crew and journalists.

North Durham Labour MP Kevan Jones will be supporting the family during the hearing.

Mr Cummings said he was confident the family would persuade the court to uphold the convictions and sentences. A reduction in jail time was probably the best the doctors could hope for.

He said they were expecting a hostile reception from people on the island and they planned to get out as quickly as possible after the case.