A father-of-five from Swindon is in a deep coma after suffering a major stroke while on a sightseeing holiday in Thailand.

Black cab driver Darren Little, 47, was on the 11th day of his trip with fellow cabbie and best friend Nathan Blake, in Pattaya on October 26 when he suddenly collapsed, hitting his head on a concrete floor. His travelling companion attempted to revive him before the emergency services arrived.

Swelling on his brain was a major cause of concern for doctors who initially told Nathan that Darren, of Park South, would die, urging him to decide whether to operate.

Despite a predicted 50/50 chance of surviving surgery, he pulled through but remains in a coma at Bangkok Hospital’s intensive care unit.

Nathan was unable to stay by his side but Darren’s brother Martin and daughter Kayleigh flew to the capital to be with him.

Darren’s fellow taxi drivers have rallied behind their friend and his family in their time of need, and are determined to raise as much as they possibly can to cover the cost of his treatment and his bills when he returns to the UK.

Nathan, 45, spoke of his shock as he watched single parent Darren lie on his hospital bed connected to a breathing machine.

“We were just laughing and joking and having a marvellous time,” he said. “It was horrendous. He was rushed to hospital where I was informed he was going to die. I had two choices, the doctors told me: leave him to die within two or three days or go for surgery and have a 50/50 chance of him not making it through. “I could not contact his family and was pressured by doctors to make a decision.

“Darren came out of the surgery in a coma. He had also contracted pneumonia – but he was alive.”

He added: “I was looking at my best friend who is only 47, totally dependent on a machine.

“The worst thing is that I broke a promise to Darren. I said I would not leave him but because of the financial situation I had to leave. If I could go back out there tomorrow I would go straight away. I feel helpless now because I can’t help him. I’m just trying to keep things going for the family.”

Felllow friend and taxi driver Mike Lea along with Lyn Fiore, Paul Witts and Paul Merrit were Nathan’s helpers back in the UK. They contacted Darren’s relatives and set a fundraising campaign in motion.

Donations have since been pouring in from Swindon’s black cab drivers.

“He is the kind of bloke who never has a bad word to say against anybody,” said Mike. “He is the nicest bloke you could wish to meet.”

Tony Johnson, a committee member with the Taxi Driver Association, added: “He brought his children up himself. He is a solid bloke, well respected. Nothing is too much for him.

“He was in perfect health until he went to Thailand. The rest of us are all pulling together to raise enough money to help him. He is going to need support over here when he gets back.”

A collection tin has been placed at Costa Coffee at Swindon train station. Donors can also make a money transfer to M Little, sort code 40 47 80, account 91196014, reference: Darren.