THOUSANDS of pounds have been raised to support an Ashburton family after a 23-year-old man with learning difficulties was rushed to hospital with a serious heart condition.

Cameron Foley is well known in the Ashburton community and more than £10,000 has already been raised to help his family while he fights for his life in hospital.

He was admitted to Torbay Hospital in May where he was diagnosed with an enlarged heart but three days later was blue-lighted by ambulance to Harefield Hospital in Uxbridge to be assessed for a heart transplant.

Since then, his parents Paula and Dave have been by his bedside.

Money its being raised to support them as over the last four months, they have been unable to work and have to pay for B&B accommodation near the hospital.

Two Go Fund Me pages have been set up to raise money, one by his uncle Kevin Foley and another by Janet Iverson.

Janet said: ‘Cameron is the sweetest lad.

‘He is the kindest, most caring lad anyone could wish for and for us that know him he is a real character leaving a lasting impression.

‘Both his parents Paula and Dave are with Cameron due to his difficulties, unfortunately there is enough stress for them at present with Cameron so very poorly and having to live so far away from home with no family and friends around for support.’

Before becoming seriously ill, Cameron lived independently, with his flock of sheep, in a caravan on his parents field.

His uncle Kevin explained: ‘Cameron had a hard start to life growing up with some learning problems but has always plodded on with such a lovely smile and has always been so polite and loving.

‘He loves being out in the open and looks after his little flock of sheep, getting on with life without ever really complaining with his big smile on his face.’

Initially doctors at Harefield Hospital considered Cameron was in urgent need of a heart transplant.

However, he has suffered further complications.

A stomach bleed saw him transferred to St Thomas Hospital in London where he spent his 23rd birthday.

Several times he has been very close to going on the transplant list for a new heart but has suffered numerous setbacks over the weeks, including infections and sepsis.

He remains supported by an Bivad machine a mechanical pump which helps support a failing heart when both pumping chambers can no longer circulate blood effectively.

He is being tube-fed, recently underwent a tracheostomy, and is receiving vital medication through lines in his neck.

Kevin said: ‘He is so brave, although extremely weak, he still manages raise a smile when he can.

‘His parents have been by his bedside due to his difficulties, to keep him reassured every day for the last 15 weeks.

‘They have been taking turns to be with Cameron while the other tries to get some sleep in the B&B they have costing a significant amount being in the London area.

‘This has taken a massive toll on both as they are not working and earning any money.

‘It is so heartbreaking to see them all suffer like this without the added money worries probably for months ahead as Cameron still has a long road to go.

‘But Cameron being the fighter he is has decided he is not going to give up and although he is by no means out of the woods he is starting to show a good improvement again.’