A Norfolk man who was stranded in a hospital in India - and who was supposed to be coming home last week - has died. 

The family of Lenny Wooldridge has expressed their shock and devastation after being informed of their father's death on Friday, June 16.

The 79-year-old was in a hospital in Goa since early March after suffering a fall which resulted in a punctured lung, fractured ribs and severe head trauma.

For the past three months, his relatives have been raising money to pay a repatriation company to fly him back to the UK.

But on Tuesday (June 20), daughter-in-law Susan Wooldridge said: "We are absolutely devastated by this shocking news as he was appearing to make great progress with his recovery."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Lenny Wooldridge, 79, died in a hospital in Goa, India, on June 16.Lenny Wooldridge, 79, died in a hospital in Goa, India, on June 16. (Image: Supplied by Wooldridge family)

The family do not know how or why he died "as once again we face the problems of communication and paperwork", she said.

Mr Wooldridge, who is from Gorleston, was originally to be flown home in early June but that was delayed.

The family were then told it was hoped he would be put on a flight on June 16.

Ms Wooldridge said: "We feel cheated and disappointed because he should’ve been home with us a couple of weeks ago, but due to the ongoing issues within Goa this never happened."

The family now faces "the very sad task of trying to repatriate him for his funeral", she said.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Lenny Wooldridge, who has died in India, was well known around Gorleston and Great Yarmouth as a 'mechanic extraordinaire'.Lenny Wooldridge, who has died in India, was well known around Gorleston and Great Yarmouth as a 'mechanic extraordinaire'. (Image: Supplied by Wooldridge family)

Mr Wooldridge's fall happened on March 1, only 12 hours after the 79-year-old had arrived in the subcontinent for a 'once in a lifetime' trip.  

He was immediately put on life support and a ventilator. 

Mr Wooldridge, who is well known around Gorleston and Great Yarmouth, had taken out travel insurance but the company declined his claim - leaving his family with a massive bill for healthcare and for bringing him home.