The family of a Blackburn man who has fallen ill in Canada have explained why they did not take out travel insurance.

David Verlander, a dad-of-four, had last week travelled to Canada to spend Christmas with his daughter Hollie but fell ill.

His family said he was facing medical bills of $10,000 a day and following an appeal thousands have been raised for the 59-year-old Blackburn Rovers fan.

In an update on Wednesday doctors told the family that David who was in intensive care, had developed Group A Strep in his lungs. 

Olivia said: “It is up to my dad’s body to fight the infection whilst the strain is taken off his body/lungs with the life support. 

“The doctors have stressed that it is still early days and the several variables in play make it difficult to give an accurate prognosis.”

Speaking on Canadian television, daughter Hollie said: “We talked about the insurance and I said don’t worry as I get it on my credit card.

“So even though he looked at his end, I didn’t even worry about it as when I rang up it has always been covered.

“The day he got sick I called the credit card and they said we only cover you and your husband.”

His wife Lucy, who runs Truffles Sandwiches and Confectionery in Blackburn, also began an appeal with all profits from brownie orders going straight into the GoFundMe appeal.

Brownie boxes are priced at £8 each or two for £15 with free local delivery any time between now and New Year’s Eve.

The Management board at Blackburn Golf Club also shared the GoFund Me page and said: “We are sorry to advise that well-known BGC Member and member of staff, Dave Verlander, has been taken seriously ill whilst in Canada visiting his daughter, Hollie, along with his son Max.

“Our heartfelt wishes are with his wife, Lucy, and their children Hollie, Alex, Max and Olivia, along with all family members which include Mick and Sean Lang, who of course are also BGC Members.

“Let’s hope that Dave makes a quick and full recovery.”

A GoFund Appeal stood at more than £9,500 on Thursday.

Olivia said: “Thank you again to everyone who has donated, shared, messaged me or any one of my family. The response has been heart-warming to say the least.”

You can donate to the appeal by clicking here