THE people of Gorse Hill came out in their droves this weekend to support the family of Michael Doyle, the popular local lad who sadly died while on holiday in Bulgaria a fortnight ago.

Feeling unwell with stomach pains, Michael was taken to hospital where he was found to have suspected blood poisoning.

He had six operations and put up a valiant fight but passed away before enough money could be raised to fly him back to the UK.

While Michael’s family were able to use the money that had been raised to fly their son’s body home, they now face the prospect of funeral expenses and outstanding medical bills.

The former shop worker would often drink in the Swiss Chalet with friends and when landlord John Honeyman and the staff heard the family needed their support, they didn’t hesitate to step in.

Despite torrential rain and thunderstorms interrupting much of Saturday, a fundraising weekend at the pub, on Chapel Street, was well on track to reaching its target of £6,000 by mid-afternoon on Sunday.

Local people, those who knew Michael and others who just wanted to help, showed that no amount of terrible weather was going to get in the way of them supporting their community.

“You just can’t comprehend it,” said John.

“Seeing your son off on holiday, having to go over to try and save him then having to bring his body back – no parent should have to go through that.

“Michael used to drink in all the pubs – you can see the reaction from people and that says what kind of guy he was.

“Just a typical 29 year old, out with the lads, away on holidays – he loved his football, loved his darts, just a really social person we used to see every day in the pub.

“It might be a bit old school but communities come together, it’s that kind of place.”

An exciting line-up of local bands was laid on to entertain the crowds over both days with a bouncy castle, spiderman and even a dalek for the kids.

Despite Saturday’s unwelcome weather, more than £2,000 was raised on that day alone.

The organisers were hoping the headline auction event on Sunday afternoon would take them to their £6,000 target.

Among the items up for grabs were speedway tickets, signed football shirts, a VIP day at Silverstone for the touring car championships as well as much more.

In a particularly heart-warming gesture of support, the Gorse Hill Motor Company, located just opposite the pub on Chapel Street, generously donated a used car to be auctioned off.

The caterers also got into the community spirit, agreeing to donate a quarter of their profits, the bouncy castle providers didn’t charge and even some of the staff who came in to help behind the bar offered to donate their money.

The pub is also planning to make their own donation once the sums have all been added up after the event.