Former Gillingham, Bromley and Charlton Athletic goalkeeper George Howard has been left fighting for his life after a car accident.

The 20 year old keeper signed for The Gills last summer on a one year deal after impressing for Bromley, but was released at the end of the 2013/14 campaign.

Just weeks after the end of the season, Howard was involved in a serious car accident in South Africa which has left him in a coma.

Friends and family were desperately trying to raise as much money as possible to cover his treatment costs and had launched a Go Fund Me page, but subsequently the money raised will now go to helping the family travel to South Africa to be with him.

The following had been posted by friend Martin Di Fede:

“On Friday 23rd May 2014 20 year old only child George Howard was involved in a serious car accident whilst on holiday in South Africa.”

“He is currently in intensive care in a coma on life support fighting for his life.”

“Due to unforseen circumstances the insurance company are refusing to pay the heavily rising costs. Each day George is fighting it is costing his family close to £15,000 per day.”

“We’re trying to raise as much money as possible to try and help George, his parents Mark and Marian at this terrible time to help George get the treatment he needs to survive.”

“For those who don’t know George he is a talented, driven, focused and enthusiastic young man who with his infectious personality makes people instantly warm to him. For those who do know George know that no words can describe what a great friend he is to so many.”

“Any help you can give will be deeply appreciated.”

A later update was to read:

“I’ve received a message from someone close to George’s family moments ago and can confirm the Insurance company have now agreed to pay for his medical costs whilst he is in SA. I don’t have any other further information on the reasoning behind this other than they have now agreed to pay out.”

“This is a massive weight off his parents shoulders and they can now concentrate on their main priority which is George getting better.”

“George has been in hospital for 6 days and is still in a critical condition and on life support in a coma.”

“Donations will now go to George’s rehabilitation and helping his family stay with George in SA throughout the process and not have to worry about any other financial constraints this is causing them whilst being away.”

“George’s family would like to thank everyone for their love and support that has been generated so far.”

Gillingham Manager Peter Taylor issued the following statement via the club’s official website: “I am absolutely devastated to hear of the news and we are praying for his recovery.

“My thoughts are with George, his family and friends at this difficult time.”

You can make a donation at George’s Go Fund Me page here:

http://www.gofundme.com/9ktsy0