The family of a dying man who wants to be reunited with siblings in Africa he has not seen for 40 years is asking for help from a major airline.

Stephen Kumah, 73, is recovering from a coma and stroke at the British Home in Streatham Common, but has months to live because of various complaints.

Although he cannot speak or write, he has communicated through a thumbs-up sign to staff and relatives his desire to return to the country of his birth, Ghana.

His family raised the money to fly him home and bought him a ticket, but Virgin Atlantic then told him because of his condition he needed to fly with two nurses in upper class.

But a repatriation package, including ambulances, was set to cost £20,000 – more than his mother and daughter could afford.

His daughter Janet Kumah, from Tooting, said she had organised an ambulance and two nurses to take him to the airport, and pick him up in Ghana.

But they cannot afford the £12,000 for flights for two nurses and an upgrade for him. They are hoping Virgin will upgrade the tickets so he can travel – especially as most flights to Ghana are not full.

The fact he was recently taken to King’s College Hospital after getting a serious infection has heightened the urgency in the family.

Miss Kumah said when Mr Kumah was told he was going to Ghana he stopped being so depressed, and she did not want to break his spirit by saying he could no longer go.

She said: “The change was remarkable, he started to show he had something to live for.

“He fought his way better and made an effort to eat his food and take his medication. His spirit and energy picked up within such a short space of time.”

A spokesman for Virgin said: “Our special assistance department has been attempting to help as much as they can but due to Mr Kumah’s condition we could not provide the level of care required on this occasion.”