A dad is fighting for his life after being punched while on his Grand National stag do.
Lee Burns, 41, had been celebrating at the Aintree Grand National on Saturday April 15th, and after the racing headed Poulton in Lancashire to continue his night out.
However, he was knocked unconscious and suffered a serious head injury after being assaulted outside a bar at around 1:25 am on the morning of Sunday, April 16.
READ MORE: Gordon Elliott horse suffers nasty cut from ladder thrown by Grand National protesters
Liverpool echo report that the Dad of three underwent emergency surgery at Royal Preston Hospital and is in an induced coma.
The surgery took three hours in order to try and stop two bleeds on his brain and to ease the pressure from the swelling, according to friend Paul Latham. Paul has now set up a GoFundMe campaign to support Lee, who is a HGV driver and will not be able to work again due to his injuries, and his family following the tragic events.
The GoFundMe page reads: "Hello, I’m Paul. Lee’s friend.
"So many people have contacted me in the last 24 hours, asking me to do this as they want to make a donation to help support Lee and his family, following the brutal attack on Lee in the early hours of Sunday morning 16.04.2023. Lee was returning home from his own stag do at Aintree Racecourse. Lee is now fighting for his life in Royal Preston Hospital, following a completely unprovoked attack in Poulton Le Fylde. Lee is now in a coma.
"If you would like to make a donation, please do so as Lee will never be able to return to his job again following his life saving brain surgery. Lee and Sara’s life has been changed forever as a result of this attack. Thank you in advance on behalf of Lee, Sara and his family. X."
It is understood that Lee was due to get married in four weeks, but the wedding has now been postponed. His fiancé Sara and their family have been at Lee's bedside as he remains in a coma.
In a public Facebook post, Paul said: "Everybody who knows Lee, knows he has the biggest smile in Blackpool. He’s always happy, always laughing always making new friends.
"Long may that continue but it will be some time before he is able to display his trademark smile on the Fylde Coast."
A 33-year-old man from Blackpool has been arrested on suspicion of wounding in connection to the incident. He has been bailed, pending further inquiries, until July 13.
Detective Chief Inspector Lee Wilson, of Lancashire Police’s West Division, said: “The victim was on a night out when he was seriously assaulted. He remains in hospital in a serious condition and we are doing our utmost to get answers as to what happened and who was responsible.
“One person has now been arrested and released on bail, while we continue to investigate the incident.
“We are still urging witnesses to come forward and would like to speak to anyone who saw what happened, or caught it on mobile phone footage. If you were in that area of Poulton between around 12.30am and 2am on Sunday morning, please cast your mind back and please check any photos or videos you took on your phone.
“Similarly, if you have information about what happened or who is responsible, please let us know.”
Anybody with information should contact Lancashire Police, quoting log 124 of April 16.
To donate to the GoFundMe, click here.
READ NEXT:
'He breathed his last' - Irishman Noel Hanna dies climbing world's tenth highest mountain peak
- Wild scenes at crucible as protesters storm snooker tables during World Championship
Gordon D'Arcy claims Jacques Nienaber appointment will shake up Leinster
Rhasidat Adeleke becomes first Irish woman to break 50 second barrier in 400m
Davy Russell - I was disappointed when Michael O'Leary mentioned my family
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
