A sporting charity has launched a campaignt to help a critically-ill journalist injured a street attack.

Former Manchester Evening News and Lancashire Telegraph journalist Gary Carter has been in an induced coma since 6 November following the attack in Bethnal Green, East London.

Gary, 35, who was in the capital to cover a Rugby League international, was taken to Papworth Hospital in Cambridge for treatment but has now been returned to London.

Now the charity Rugby League Cares has started a JustGiving campaign on behalf of Gary’s family, who have been keeping a vigil at his bedside since the incident occurred.

It said on its website: “In early November, popular and respected freelance journalist, Gary Carter, was the subject of an attack in London that left him fighting for his life.

“The amount of well wishes from across different sports have illustrated how loved and well thought of Gary (or Gaz as he is known to most) is, and have been a source of great comfort to his family.

“Rugby League Cares, in partnership with The Rugby League Writers Association and the RFL Benevolent Fund, have opened this JustGiving page to provide financial assistance to his family while they continue to support Gary beside his hospital bed in London.

“Everyone is hoping and praying for a speedy and full recovery.”

Gary’s family told the MEN this week that he had showed ‘true grit and strength’ following the assault – and could soon be woken from an induced coma after making remarkable progress in his treatment.

He had been transferred from the London hospital where he was treated initially to the world-renowned Papworth Hospital for specialist treatment from an ECMO machine – a device used to support his breathing.

On Saturday, England’s Rugby League stars paid tribute to Gary ahead of the team’s crunch match against New Zealand.

Players wore special shirts during the warm-up at the DW Stadium in Wigan with the words ‘Keep Fighting Gaz’ emblazoned on the back.

James Flanagan, 35, from Kentish Town, has already pleaded guilty to the assault after appearing at Thames Magistrates’ Court.

To donate the Just Giving campaign, click here.