A man who grew up in Macclesfield and still has relatives in the town, is the subject of a campaign to get him back to the UK.

Andrew Burns, formerly of Crossall Street, was taken ill in Thailand last month.

He was found on the floor of his apartment with what his family describe as "several serious issues going on in his body including sepsis, pneumonia, pneumothorax, pleural effusion, cellulitis, infection in legs, atrial defibrillation."

Now, a crowdfunder has been launched to get the 66-year-old back to the UK to be closer to his family.

The ex-serviceman used to live near the town centre. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

£12,000 of the £20,000 goal has been raised so far, for which you can donate to on this link.

His brother Simon, who works at The Shamrock Pub on Mill Street, started a JustGiving in association with his son, also called Simon.

"On August 19 following a period of no contact, a few of us in the UK became concerned," said Simon.

"My sister reached out to an old friend in Bangkok who eventually found his flat, gained access and found him a very bad way.

Andy served in the Royal Air Force for over 23 years in military bases in the Middle East, Cyprus and mainland Europe.

"The overriding issue is a 'mass' they've located on a CT scan in his left trachea, they suspect this to have starved the lung of oxygen and led to all the other issues and so this week has been focused on deciding what to do next.

"The Thai hospital recommend to do a biopsy to establish what the 'mass' is g, but that carries risks, in addition to rendering him unable to fly for 6 weeks. Draining the P/E carries similar risks/flight issues. we have opted against this - mainly as the cost is unattainable. 

"So as it stands, he is clearly very unwell, he is weak, but fortunately his oxygen sats are at level he could fly.

"In terms of getting him back to UK it seems like it can all be done, and the family are working tirelessly to work this out logistically and financially.

Andy (centre) on a night out in Mash Guru, Macclesfield with family last year.

"We are being quoted between £25,00 to £30,000 for this service. Your donations will go towards this cost.

"Please continue to forward and share with anyone who may know Andrew. 

"Dad has been through and read all the comments on the JustGiving page and he told me that he cannot put into words what the support means to him."

A whopping 248 people have donated so far. Once again, you can donate to the fundraiser by clicking HERE.

After retiring from the Royal Air Force, Andy (right) moved into similar roles as a civilian in the NHS and later teaching roles in and around Operating Theatres.

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