Friends fundraise to make Christmas special

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Organisers and stall holders at the fundraising event

The family and friends of a Heywood man who was seriously injured following a collision with a bus are raising money to ensure he has a special Christmas.
 
Mike Field, 34, is described by his friends as a 'miracle man.'
 
Two months ago he was hit by a bus turning a corner. Mr Field's life was hanging in the balance.
 
Miraculously Mr Field awoke from his coma and despite suffering from brain damage and a fractured pelvis he is now at home with his wife and two young children.
 
Today (Saturday 27 November 2010) Mr Field's friends held a fundraising event to make sure the Fields have a wonderful Christmas.
 
This event is the second organised by Mr Field's pals and they have already raised £1,600.
 
Today families joined together for face painting, a tombola, glitter tattoos and face painting.
 
Later on there will be a sponsored leg wax for a lucky gent and the day will be topped off with a fashion show.
 
The fundraiser, held at TLF Fitness on Royle Barn Road, follows on from a comedy night where the initial funds were raised.
 
The activities were hosted by Ian Foran and his partner Lianne Pattison who put the day on with the help of friends.
 
Mr Foran said: "Mike doesn't like to be made a fuss off but he is a miracle man. He is a good friend, I have known him for ten years and everyone has chipped in. The event is just here because I have the facilities."
 
When Mr Foran set out the fundraising he hoped to get to a grand total of £2,000.
 
He said: "Anything is better than nothing. We did really well with the comedy night so if we could raise £400 today I will be happy."
 
Speaking about the day Mr Forlan said: "Everyone seems to be enjoying it. A lot of friends and family have come down. Everyone knows Mike. He is really popular."
 
“All the money raised will go straight to Mike for Christmas.  Mike is self employed so there is no money coming in. I was self employed for 8 years and I know if you are out of work for just a week it is hard work."
 
Ms Pattison added: "The aim is to raise as much money as we can for mike and his family ready for Christmas."