FRIENDS of Steve Grimmett, who had to have part of his leg amputated after falling ill on tour in Ecuador, have rallied together to organise a fundraising gig for the musician once he is well enough to fly home.

Steve, 57 who lives in West Swindon, was only seven days into a five week tour of South America when he started to feel unwell, resulting in all future gigs with his band Grim Reaper being put on hold indefinitely.

In the days that followed, an old wound on the bottom of his foot became infected, spreading to his bones and as a result, doctors at the hospital in Guayaquil had to amputate part of Steve’s leg above the knee.

His wife Millie rushed to Steve’s bedside and in the meantime, his friends back home have come together to organise a gig to help raise money to pay for the medical bills after Steve’s insurance company refused to pay due to his pre-existing diabetes.

Brian Keen, from Riff’s Bar, has known Steve for more than six years and said organising the gig was one way his friends could help from afar.

“Steve has been a friend for quite a long time and he is a local hero around here,” he added.

“Steve is the type of guy that helps other people and so when this all happened, we all wanted to help him for a change and so many people can come forward to ask how they can help as well.

“We’ve set a date of April 1 but that could change depending on the bands we book but whatever date it is, there will be some great music.”

A fundraising page was also started which has raised more than $11,800 (£9,400) to help contribute to the bills as well as the life-changing physiotherapy Steve will need.

Brian said while he finalises the details of the gigs, he believes the response on Facebook shows how truly liked Steve is in Swindon.

“We are getting a really good response and since we first posted about the gig, we have been inundated with bands wanting to play,” he added.

“ I am holding out for a high league band to headline the gig but we have had messages from people all over the world who have worked with Steve and want to come and play.

“The band Trusted State of Mind, were only school kids playing heavy metal when they first started out but, with Steve’s help, they have come a long way and they will hopefully be playing at the gig.

“It is an amazing amount of people who have come forward and I am still getting new calls everyday.”

Millie, 38, has been updating family, friends and fans of Steve’s band on Facebook about his condition.

In her latest post, she said: “Steve is now stable and doing well. The wound is still open because they are cleaning it out and checking for any infections, every two to three days. All being well the last clean should be this Friday and they will stitch it up next week.

"Unfortunately the 10 day clock starts from that point until steve can fly home, so it is going to be at least two weeks until we can start the journey back to the UK.”

To donate visit www.youcaring.com/stephenmgrimmett-740370 or for details on the gig visit the Fundraiser event for Steve Grimmett Facebook page.