A COMMUNITY is rallying round to support a father-of-two who remains in hospital after suffering a traumatic medical incident.

Sam Buckley, 31 and a self-employed carpenter from Weymouth, was on his way to work in Poole when he suddenly lost feeling down one side of his body on September 23.

He managed to pull over safely and call his work colleague before an ambulance was called to rush him to Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

Upon further examination, it was found Sam had suffered a bleed on the brain and was soon transferred to Southampton Neurology Unit where he remains in the neurology ward. 

Sam’s friend of 16 years, Richard Butler, regularly travels up to Southampton to visit Sam by his bedside along with Sam's partner Billie and two children, Marley, eight-years-old and Mabel, three-years-old.

(Image: Richard Butler)

Richard said: “He's on the first steps of recovery, I would say.

“He's communicating and he understands what's going on, but there's obviously physical issues which he's going to have to work out and overcome, but it's all going to take time.

“A lot of people suffer things like this at later stage in life, so he's fortunate in the way that he’s got his youth, but it's a life-changing thing that has happened.”

(Image: Richard Butler)

Richard originally wanted to raise £2,000 for Sam’s recovery but this has since surpassed by an influx of donations that have now reached £7,930 at the time of publication.

It’s set to be boosted after a fundraiser organised by the Springhead pub at Sutton Poyntz where Sam is a regular. A number of bands will be playing at the event on Saturday, November 9 from 5pm-11pm.

Landlady Jo Parker said: “We have had the most amazing response. Local musicians are donating a one-hour set. We are absolutely overwhelmed. People are also offering their time.

“The entire Springhead team and family’s heart goes out to Sam and his young family - he is an incredible guy, immensely liked in the village and throughout Weymouth and he deserves everyone’s kindness.”

Richard added of the response to the recovery fund: “It's just mind blowing and great to see people being so, so thoughtful as we can understand it is quite a difficult time financially.

“He is one of life’s good eggs and would help anyone at the drop of a hat, He's also a big part of the fishing community in Dorset.

(Image: Richard Butler)

“It would be fantastic if we could all help him along the road to recovery.

“So can we all pull together and get as many donations as possible to help support Sam and his young family with everything over the next few months.”

Donations can be made via a GoFundMe titled: Sam Buckley’s Recovery Fund.