THE family of a man fighting a rare autoimmune disorder are determined to help him to achieve his dream of walking again.

Dad-of-two Geoffrey Daintith, from Glazebury, was in an induced coma for more than a year after being diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome in 2015.

He could not speak when he woke from his coma and was left paralysed.

The Leigh Centurions fan, 54, who is based at Oak Vale Gardens in Liverpool, needs private rehabilitation therapy to aid his recovery.

His son Greg, 26, said: “In the last few weeks Dad has been able to come home at weekends which has been brilliant so he is not always stuck in the same place.

“We are grateful to people for donations which has allowed us to convert our garage into a room for Dad which has made such a massive difference.

“It would be amazing to get him back on his feet and hopefully we are able to get him the treatment he needs to do that.”

The family celebrated Geoffrey's birthday in a hospitality box at Leigh Sports Village last month as the Centurions beat London Broncos 40-0 in the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup.

Geoffrey was presented with a signed team shirt by Australian player Daniel Mortimer and the family met man of the match Ben Crooks after the game.

Greg also gave a speech on the day which including talking about his dad's health struggles.

Geoffrey's wife Susan sponsored the game with her business Better Life Counselling.

As Geoffrey is self-employed, he is not eligible for benefits and his condition has put a financial strain on Susan, Greg and his younger son Bradley, 23.

A buffet lunch with a live performance from Leigh singer Zoe Unsworth has been organised at The Raj Indian restaurant in Culcheth on Sunday, July 1 to generate funds.

There will be a raffle and an auction including Leigh Centurions goodies, a signed Wayne Rooney Manchester United shirt and a signed Warrington Wolves top and rugby ball.

The family-friendly event will feature a bouncy castle and facepainting.

Tickets for the event cost £20 per person. To purchase one contact 01925 765740.

Alternatively visit bit.ly/2jTteBb but booking fees apply.

To donate to Greg’s crowdfunding page visit bit.ly/2hutWqY.