Dad fighting for his life after tree struck family during Storm Darragh

A fundraiser has been set up for a family after they were struck by a tree during Storm Darragh - (PA/GoFundMe)

A man is fighting for his life on life support days after he was hit by a large tree during Storm Darragh.

Dan, his partner Louise Thorpe and their baby daughter Molly were struck by a huge cedar tree in Leamington Spa as the storm brought strong winds and left thousands without power.

Dan, whose surname was not provided, was left fighting for his life after the tree fell while his partner and daughter managed to escape unharmed on December 7.

West Midlands Ambulance Service said they found the mother and daughter being cared for by bystanders and they had suffered minor injuries.

Firefighters and paramedics worked quickly to free Dan and he was taken to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire for further emergency care.

Hours earlier a man was killed in Birmingham when a tree fell on his car during the storm.

Now a fundraiser has been set up to support the family while Ms Thorpe continues to look after her daughter “whilst coming to terms with this awful incident”.

The GoFundMe page, set up by Bethan Clarke, said: “During the recent Storm Darragh, Dan was struck by a falling cedar tree in Leamington Spa and has suffered serious injuries.

“He remains in critical condition at hospital, where he is unconscious and on life support. It is likely he will have a very long road to recovery if he is able to return to his previous life at all.

“We are all desperate for good news, but preparing for the worst.”

Dan works as a self-employed chairmaker and is described as “the main breadwinner for his family” in the fundraiser.

Nearly £9,000 has been raised for the family so far with friends hoping to raise £30,000 in total.

The fundraiser adds: “Any donation, no matter how small, will make a huge difference. Even if you're unable to donate, your support through sharing this message with others is greatly appreciated.”