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 to be assessed for a heart transplant.

Money is being raised to support them as over the last four months, they have had 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 Everson, a long time friend of Paula’s.

Cameron has been described as the ‘sweetest, kindest most caring lad’.

Paula said: ‘He is still very weak and in intensive care.

‘Every day is a challenge for him being there. He needs too regain strength and be infection free.

‘All the hospital staff have been amazing, they go above and beyond and are with him 24/7.’

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, getting on with life without ever really complaining with his big smile on his face.’

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 on 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.

‘They have been taking turns to be with Cameron.

‘This has taken a massive toll on both of them.

‘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.’