A football match has been organised to raise funds to repatriate a Halstead man who suffered a traumatic brain injury whilst on holiday.

The friends and family of Stuart Aitken, 33, are raising money to pay for his safe transport back to the UK after he was hit by a car whilst celebrating his first wedding anniversary with wife Nina in Majorca.

Despite raising more than £25,000 in a matter of days, there is still some way to go to reach the target, and so his friends are planning a fundraising event later this month.

His friends said: "Wanting to be as proactive as we can, his closest friends are arranging a charity football match to be hosted at Halstead Town Football Club on August 26.

"Precise details are still to be finalised, but expect a family friendly afternoon with food, football, and children's entertainment, for this pay on the door event."

The group has already secured prizes from businesses including Halstead Leisure Centre, Haverhill Golf Club and Ridgeons for an auction or raffle.

However an appeal for further support and people to attend the fun day style event has been issued.

Mr Aitken's friends said: "We appreciate this is the Sunday of the August bank holiday and your own plans may be afoot, but if you can spare the afternoon for a good cause it would be great to see as many of you as we can."

Straight after being hit by the car on July 14, Mr Aitken, of Trinity Street, who did not have travel insurance, was put into an induced coma and underwent a frontal craniotomy in order to reduce the swelling to his brain.

Although he remains in intensive care in Majorca, his organs are now functioning and he is able to breathe unassisted.

His friends said: "The full extent of Stu's injuries are still unknown, but it is clear that his recovery will take time and any additional funds secured will assist in his ongoing care once back in the UK."

For more details about the date, visit https://bit.ly/2ADH9X9.

Donate at www.gofundme.com/get-stuart-back-to-the-uk.