Donations roll in for Jeff Bauman - Boston bombing victim who helped identify suspects after losing his legs

Friends of Bauman - who has only partial medical insurance - set up online fund which has already reached over $330,000

Jeff Bauman being helped from the carnage after the explosion (AP)

Friends of the man who helped police identify the suspected Boston Marathon bombers after losing his legs in the blast have set up an online fund to help pay for his hospital bills.

Jeff Bauman was pictured being wheeled to an ambulance by Carlos Arredondo shortly after Monday's attack. He had lost both his legs below the knee. According to the Boston Globe, the 27-year-old has medical insurance through his employer, Costco, but not enough to meet the inevitable costs of life after the disaster.

It is now thought that it was his intervention which helped police track down the suspected perpetrators, Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev.

Still in intensive care, Mr Bauman “woke up, under so much drugs, asked for a paper and pen and wrote, ‘bag, saw the guy, looked right me,’” his brother, Chris, revealed.

The day after the blast, his friend Brooke Gibbs set up the appeal on the website Gofundme.com.

She wrote: "We have created this fundraiser to raise money to help support our dear friend, Jeff and his family.

"As most of you know, Jeff was severely affected by the tragedy that had taken place at the Patriots Day Boston Marathon this year. Throughout this difficult time we want to help in every which way we possibly can to get Bauman back on track as soon as possible.

"Medical bills are going to start rolling in, let's get a head start on helping out Bauman and his family! Every dollar counts!!

"We're all praying for a quick and safe recovery!"

Since then, the fund has bulged to over $330,000 (£216,663), with over 8219 donations, making an average donation of $40.

Yesterday, as the total surged, Ms Gibbs wrote: "Thank you EVERYONE for all your generous donations!! Truly blessed to have such great support and love!"