A LOVING granddaughter has been overwhelmed with community support to help raise money for a hospital, following the exceptional care her grandad received.

21-year-old Abigail Dearing from Bracknell has been fundraising throughout the borough for the Harefield Hospital in London, after her grandad Roy Potter suffered from a tear in his aorta.

Roy Potter became ill in January this year and was admitted to the London hospital for special treatment.

After complications throughout his surgery, Mr Potter was in an induced coma and the family felt heartbroken.

Abigail said: “Everything that could have possibly gone wrong did. He has been through a lot and is still in a lot of pain.

“He has recently been fitted with a voice box so we can speak to him.”

Roy was in a coma for 19 days and is still in Harefield Hospital receiving care.

The family was told that if Roy was taken anywhere else, he would not have made it through. The machines at the hospital and the highly trained staff gave him the best chance.

Abigail added: “I can’t thank the staff at the hospital enough and me and my family will be forever in debt to them for saving my grandads life.

“I would like to save as much as I can but no amount of money I can raise will be able to say thank-you.”

The care Roy received sparked Abigail to set up a fundraising page and she has been overwhelmed with support.

Ms Dearing said: “He worked at Broadmoor hospital as a psychiatric nurse and It’s been amazing, I didn’t realise how much my grandad was loved.

“We have had all the community come together and we have had a lot of support from local businesses.”

Abigail's mother Suzanne Potter, sister Zoe Carter, Roy's wife Janette Potter and his mother Bet Potter have all been involved in the fundraising.

They have received support from Bracknell businesses including Harvester, John Nike Leisure Centre, Hollywood Bowl and Whoosh.

Abigail raised £600 at a raffle and tombola held at Tesco, Martins Heron on Sunday, 24 February.

For more information and to make a donation, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/roy-potters-miracle-life-changing-story.