FRIENDS of a man who was attacked and left for dead in a Southend street say they are determined to get him home from hospital.

Simon Dobbin, 43, of Mildenhall, Suffolk, suffered brain damage after being attacked in East Street, Prittlewell, after watching his side, Cambridge United, draw 0-0 with Southend United last March.

He remains at a neurological rehabilitation centre at the Colman Hospital, in Norwich.

Sadly, he has regressed in recent months but he could soon be coming home – if enough money is raised to make modifications to his house.

Craig Watt, of Leigh, lived in Mildenhall for 42 years and has known Mr Dobbin’s wife, Nicole, since they were both children.

On March 20, nearly a year to the day since Mr Dobbin was attacked, Mr Watt and friends will embark on a sponsored 12- mile walk – a mile for each month the Cambridge fan has been in hospital. Mr Watt, 53, said: “This is about getting Simon home.

“A day or two before the game we were talking about Simon meeting me after the match and going for a drink and then me getting him home – rather than him having to get the train from Prittlewell and walking down East Street.

“Unfortunately I had to work, so while I don’t blame myself, it’s hard not to think of how different things would be if I’d been free to meet up with him.”

The walk, starting at the Half Moon pub in Kingsway, Mildenhall, hopes to raise £20,000, but has so far only got to £1,608.

Norwich City goalkeeper John Ruddy has donated £1,000 to the cause and Mr Watt hopes more donations will come in so that he can see his friend back home.

A police investigation is still ongoing into who attacked Mr Dobbin and a total of 17 arrests have been made, but no charges have been brought.

Mr Watt added: “It happened in Southend, so even though the club and its fans are not to blame, I still think people are ashamed that such a thing could happen in the town.

“We’ve had Southend fans donating and that is really nice.

“I’ve not been able to see Simon since he’s been at the specialist centre in Norwich yet, but I’ll see him when we do the walk.”

To donate to the cause, visit crowdfunding.justgiving.com/ craig-watt