A crowdfunding campaign has been launched to raise funds for a Wisbech father who is recovering from emergency brain surgery.  

Nathan Wagg is a much-adored family man and talented boxer - but his life suddenly changed when he suffered a bleed on his brain at the start of December.  

He was in surgery for seven hours and now has 50 staples holding the wound on his head together.  

Wisbech Standard:

Doctors now know it was caused by a very rare arteriovenous malformation (AVM) which has disrupted the blood circulation in his brain.  

He is currently at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, in Cambridge, and has lost the sensation in his left leg and has reduced mobility in his left arm.  

Nathan, who lives in Murrow with his fiancée Lauren Smith, is expected to recover – but it may take many months.  

Wisbech Standard:

So his friends have launched a JustGiving Page to fund specialist rehabilitation care, and to help his family with their daily trips to the hospital.  

Since the page went live, almost 170 supporters have helped them towards their £10,000 target.  

Nathan, who works on road improvement projects, had colleagues, members of the boxing community, friends and family contribute to the total.  

Organisers have now increased the amount and are now aiming for £30,000 – and are welcoming donations from anyone who can afford to help.  

Wisbech Standard:

Sam Johnson, Nathan’s friend who is coordinating the effort, said: “We’re doing whatever it takes to get Nathan home and back to his family.  

“Their lives changed literally overnight. At the start of October, he was named champion of a boxing fight he competed in at Skaters, near Wisbech. 

“Two months later, he’s rushed into hospital, had seven hours of emergency surgery and is spending the festive season and start of 2023 in Addenbrooke’s.  

Wisbech Standard:

“We’re now looking at getting Nathan into a specialist rehabilitation hospital and the cost of this will be £2,000 a week with private care.  

“At the moment, it is not known how long it will take him to get on the rehabilitation ward on the NHS. 

“Lauren is travelling two-and-a-half hours there and back every day. The fuel and car parking is at least £20 a day. 

“We want to help them in whatever way we can.  

“Whatever anyone can donate to help this truly incredible family will be hugely appreciated and they deserve all the support they can in getting back to what they should be - a happy, fun, out-going family.” 

Nathan has three daughters with Lauren, and two sons from a previous relationship.

Lauren said: "Thank you to everyone who has donated, it means so much to have your support.

"It's overwhelming to know how much he means to people. Some have donated huge amounts of money and, as a family, we're so grateful." 

To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/nathanwagg