THE sledging accident which left Alek Malinka in a coma is every parent’s worst nightmare.

Seeing their five-year-old unconscious in a hospital bed was bad enough. What makes the situation even worse for Alek’s family is that he was hurt while on holiday with his dad, Peter, in the Czech Republic.

Mum Ela and Alek’s three-year-old sister have flown out to be at his bedside. But the family cannot afford to fly him home.

Now friends and neighbours back in Yorkshire have stepped in. Family friend Alex Thornton is hoping to raise £10,000 to bring Alek back.

He will be taking part with other friends in the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge on May 16. Parents and children from Alek’s school – St Joseph’s in Pickering –have already raised £440, with more events planned over Easter. And the Elegance salon in Pickering is doing its bit, raising funds this weekend with a raffle.

In the Czech Republic, there are signs Alek is making progress. He is starting to get some movement in his head, arms and leg, and reacts to sounds and touch. Keep on fighting, Alek. We hope that with the help of your friends back in North Yorkshire, you will be home again soon.