A FATHER who has spent more than 50 days in an intensive care unit in Zimbabwe is set to return home.

Nigel Hunt, 57, was admitted to the ICU at Avenues Clinic, Harare, after being admitted with severe stomach pains on July 11.

The Hereford Times previously reported how medics discovered three cysts on Mr Hunt's pancreas but he was not stable enough to be operated on and received five blood transfusions and blood platelets before spending several days in a coma.

His family launched a fundraising campaign to help pay for his medical bills – with the total expected to top $30,000 USD – which received support from many local people.

But Mr Hunt, whose son Robert and daughter-in-law, Stacey, live in Hereford, has now been transferred to the clinic's high care unit and is finally expected to return home by the end of next week.

In a statement on the fundraising page, Mr Hunt's family said: "It would seem even with the dreadful 12% survival rate the family were told, Nigel has got a lot more to live for.

"He also seems to be a lot more aware of what is going on now and although sometimes quite blurry, he has stopped asking the same questions over again.

"With his recovery happening a lot more quickly over the last two weeks Nigel hopes to be home next week."

The family thanked the 'exceptional' team who cared for Mr Hunt during such a difficult period.

"To everyone who has helped, shared, donated, supported, prayed, and kept the Hunt family in your thoughts – they couldn't have gotten this far with out you," the statement added.

As there is no National Health Service in Zimbabwe, the cost of Mr Hunt's treatment has continued to increase.

Funds are still being raised to pay for the medical bills and a sponsored head shave is to take place at the Black Lion in Hereford on Saturday October 31 at 8pm.

Bev Earney, a friend of Mr Hunt's son Robert, will be braving the shave.

Donations can also be made online at https://life.indiegogo.com/fundraisers/nigel-hunt-medical-bills?c=activity