A HUGE two day fundraising event is to be held in memory of Michael Doyle to help his family with the hefty hospital bill they have been left with.

John Honeyman who runs the Swiss Chalet in Chapel Street is calling all sponsors, musicians and businesses to help with funds, raffle prizes and anything else in support of the Doyle family, who have been left owing thousands of pounds for Michael’s treatment and repatriation.

The event is set to take place on the Saturday and Sunday before the August Bank Holiday, which is only two weeks away on the 28th, so John is urging people to dig deep and get in touch as soon as possible if they can help make the event a success.

“The financial burden they have been put under is huge,” said John.

“It’s touched the hearts of Swindon and it’s the shock of being landed with a bill like that.

“Michael and his family are very well known here and he always comes down to the pub with his brother, he was a very active member of the community.

“Mandy came in while Michael was still alive in tears asking to help her. You don’t expect to go on holiday and never come back and a mother losing her child you just can’t comprehend.

“This event needs to be as big as we can get it and we don’t have a lot of time to organise it.

“I’m looking for four or five bands with solo acts between all day from 11am to 12pm."

As the Adver has previously reported, Michael, 29, from Penhill died on Saturday from suspected blood poisoning and kidney failure after falling ill in Bulgaria three weeks ago.

And John added: "Since I have put the message out there I’ve had lots of people coming forward for catering, inflatables, face painting and to do henna tattoos.

"This isn't my gig, it is the whole of Swindon’s gig. Let's go help this family, they need our help and it's needed now, get your heads down guys, get thinking and organising with me please.”

Contact John at The Swiss Chalet on (01793) 535610.