A FUNDRAISING football tournament has raised over £4,200 for a young father who lost both his legs in a crash on the motorway.

Dan Elsworthy, 25, from Bournemouth, has been in hospital since July after he was involved in a collision on the M3 while on his way to work.

His mother, Diane, said he was doing “really well” and was undergoing the last of his surgery.

“It’s been really difficult for him as he’s lost his legs above the knee. This time next year - hopefully before - he should be ready for his own prosthetic legs. He will be in a wheelchair until then so he can heal fully.

“Good prosthetics can cost at least £12,000 so we’re trying to raise as much money as possible so he doesn’t have to worry.”

A fundraising page set up following Dan’s accident has already raised thousands of pounds to support him and his family through his disability.

The six-a-side football tournament was organised by Diane’s colleagues at Bournemouth’s Littledown Centre. It has been hailed a huge success after doubling its target fundraising goal.

Hundreds of people attended on the day, with a total 16 teams competing.

There was also a raffle, tombola, cake sale, bouncy castle, and penalty shoot-out.

Diane described the support given to Dan and his family as “incredible”.

She said: “I can’t believe how much has been raised already. I haven’t been home since the accident. I’ve been living in a bungalow at Salisbury hospital so I can help look after Dan, but I’m on full pay until the end of September, which is when we’re hoping Dan will be able to get out of hospital.

“The hospital staff have been absolutely amazing as it’s been very difficult for Dan mentally, but he knows he’s lucky to be alive and he’s got so much to live for.

“Considering it’s only been just over a month since the accident, everyone’s been amazed by how strong he’s been," she added.

The crash Dan was involved in on the evening of Friday, July 29, saw his Ford Transit Tipper van leave the M3 northbound carriageway near Basingstoke and collide with the mile marker post.

No other vehicles are believed to have been involved.

The northbound carriageway was closed for 12 hours while emergency services dealt with the incident.