A family have been supported by the community after a dramatic decline in health.

Dave Lawrence worked at Amigos in Chipping Sodbury High Street before it announced its shock closure on January 5, citing lack of trade.

Dave acted as head chef for the restaurant that closed suddenly.

However, the establishment of a Gofundme page has revealed that the 'warm-hearted, generous'

Dave is in need of a double lung transplant due to the quick onset of Pulmonary Fibrosis.

There was huge support on the page immediately, with donations from over 70 people in just 10 days raising nearly £4000 for the family.

Speaking about the donations, Shamsi said: “I am lost for words at your generosity, yes it is rare.

“Dave and I have been in tears most of the day reading your messages of support and seeing your kind donations.

“We are truly humbled and don’t know how we will ever repay you all.

“The doctors are all pleased with Dave’s progress, we have had a few scary moments but he so brave and a true fighter.”

The Gofundme page has since gone viral, with over 350 people sharing it across a number of different social media platforms.

A Facebook group that updates the public on Dave’s progress has also been set up, it can be found at What a difference a Dave makes.

The family were in Southmead Hospital in Bristol, however on Wednesday they made the move to Birmingham after a bed became available for Dave.

Now there is a period of uncertainty as Dave has to see if he is accepted on to the waiting list for the transplant.

A post on the page revealed that Dave was ‘feeling better’ after the support from the community.

“I don’t have the words to express how grateful we are,” Shamsi said.

“I am sad to be leaving this amazing ward and the wonderful staff who have looked after Dave (and me) so well.

“These are beautiful people who have worked relentlessly to make everyone as comfortable as possible.

“We are humbled to have seen what these superheroes do, day in, day out.

“We have nothing but the utmost respect for each and every member of staff here.”

The Gofundme page has changed the target after a flurry of donations, it was originally set at £2000 but now the amount raised has already broken the £6000 barrier, the target has since been changed to £8000 as the community continues to support the ‘Neighbours In Need’ page.

The page can be found at: uk.gofundme.com/pp9ua3-neighbours-in-need.