There was an "astounding" outpouring of support from Eynsham and the local community after a friend and dearly loved neighbour was seriously injured in a car crash and has sadly died.

Dan Johnson, 26, was involved in a serious car accident in early September and has been in a coma at the John Radcliffe Hospital.

He sadly passed away on Friday morning, peacefully and with his family.

Following the crash a Facebook page was created to offer updates on his condition which soon turned into a place to post fondest memories and words of support for Dan’s family to read to him in hospital.

The private group has roughly 300 members and within days, they had organised a fundraiser for the brave first responders who assisted in getting Dan safely to the hospital, two of whom were off duty firemen who just happened to hear the crash and went running to the scene.

Dan played for two Eynsham football teams and the group decided to plan a Football Friendly to raise money for Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue and the Thames Valley Air Ambulance, who were critical in his rescue.

Friend Ruby Williamson who has known Dan since they attended Bartholomew School together, said: “After posting about this fundraiser, which wasn’t intended to be anything huge, the local firemen were quick to comment and ask if they could come along, take part in the football match and said that they will also bring their fire engine.

“I made a JustGiving page for the event, and in less than one day, we raised over £2,000. We had over 50 people wanting to take part in the football game, which became a tournament!

On the day of the tournament local businesses offered drinks, snacks and pizzas including Blissfull Bites run by Becky Treadwell, and The Edge Eatery run by Phoebe Hall and Tom Pickett, and Stuart Cockwell from the Jolly Sportsman provided a hog roast.

A charity raffle was held later at Eynsham Social Club along with live music while Eynsham Parish Council donated use of the football field and pavilion free of charge.

Ruby said: “Others raised money by holding a bake sale at a nursery and raised £315 and someone even auctioned off their dad on a date and raised £120!”

The event raised nearly £4,000 close to the £5,000 target on the JustGiving site.

As well as the emergency services, Dan’s family and friends have also requested the group add a charity named Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) to the appeal.

It runs a free, confidential and anonymous helpline as well as a webchat service, offering help, advice and information to anyone who is struggling or in crisis.

Ruby said: “My relationship with Dan extends back to our time at Bartholomew School in Eynsham as does many of his friendships.

“We all went to school together and continued our friendship since. Dan was such a vibrant character who always had the most infectious grin. He was loved by so many and will be missed dearly. It is astounding how many people want to show support in any way possible."