THE family of a 27-year-old Christchurch man who is suffering from brain cancer have been "overwhelmed" after their fundraising target was smashed in a matter of days.

As reported by the Daily Echo on Friday, Matt Andress was looking to raise £2,500 to go towards a family trip to Normandy.

This was his final wish after receiving devastating news that his cancer had spread and there would be no more treatment available after his current round of chemotherapy.

Matt wanted to go to France to be able to pay his respects to all the soldiers who gave their lives for their country.

On Friday, the Just Giving fundraising page had reached £800. By Sunday evening the total eclipsed the £3,000 mark.

Matt's older brother Danny told the Daily Echo that the family could not believe the generosity of everyone who had donated since the page was set up earlier this month.

"I'm just absolutely blown away at how people have come forward and donated for Matt's cause," Danny said.

"Every time I looked at the fundraising page over the weekend the total had gone up so much.

"We started the fundraising page to try and get as much as we could to try and get Matt to France. The response is incredible and it means so much to us as a family to be able to get this trip sorted."

Matt has received a further boost with Brittany Ferries reaching out to offer complimentary tickets to get across to France. The AFC Bournemouth fan has started his final programme of chemotherapy and Danny said it was now taking its toll.

Plans are starting to take shape for the Normandy trip, with hopes of securing a fast-tracked passport for Matt, as hospital staff said he needs to got to Normandy as soon as possible.

"I was with Matt on Sunday afternoon and he has started to feel the affects of it now his chemotherapy is underway," Danny added. "It is an amazing gesture from Brittany Ferries. We have to thank everyone so much."

The fundraising page – www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/danny-andress – will remain open for several weeks so Matt can enjoy his time with family and friends.

Matt has said he wants any money left from the fund to be donated to The Brain Tumour Charity and Macmillan Caring Locally, which is based in Christchurch.