Deep Digger Dan to take on walk for Tom

A YouTube vlogger will walk from Land’s End to John o’Groats to help his girlfriend’s father after he was attacked in Bury St Edmunds.

Daniel Holdsworth, also known as Deep Digger Dan on the site, wants to raise money for Tom Cleary, who sustained brain damage after an incident in Tayfen Road on November 24.

His partner Mazzy Holder said she has mixed emotions about Dan taking the challenge to help get equipment for her dad’s return home.

She said: “It is overwhelming that Dan wanted to help and is just so generous of him but now I will lose him for three months and we are always together.”

Dan has raised more than £60,000 for charities before but said this time is different.

He said: “It is more personal, if it wasn’t for the situation I would think I could not managed it but that will be my motivation.”

The pair’s combined 300,000 subscribers over two internet channels have also sent support.

Mazzy Said: “People have been so lovely, supporting Dan and dad, with prayers, messages and gifts.”

Tom is awake in Addenbrooke’s Hospital after being in a coma for 10 days, but is yet to sit up and could be in there for at least two months whilst doctors assess the extent of the brain damage.

Mazzy said: “They didn’t think he would make it to the hospital let alone the seven hours of brain surgery he needed, we don’t know where he has got his strength from.”

The challenge will start on January 3with Dan posting daily updates on YouTube.

To donate, go to www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/helpingtom

A 23-year-old man arrested in connection with the assault has been bailed to return to the town’s police station on February 22.