BRITISH backpacker Tom Jackson who was critically injured in the Home Hill hostel stabbing in North Queensland has died in hospital.

Mr Jackson, 30, was stabbed in the face, head and torso while trying to save fellow backpacker Mia Ayliffe-Chung after she fled to the hostel’s bathroom. Ms Ayliffe-Chung died from her injuries but Mr Jackson had remained in a critical condition.

Police this afternoon said he died in hospital a short time ago.

“Police can confirm 30-year-old British man Thomas Jackson, critically injured in an alleged knife attack at Home Hill on August 23, has today passed away in the Townsville Hospital,” police said in a statement.

Smail Ayad has been charged with murdering Ms Ayliffe-Chung at the hostel on Tuesday last week.

Detectives will upgrade a charge of attempted murder in relation to Mr Jackson at Ayad’s next court appearance in Townsville Magistrates Court on October 28.

A fundraiser has been set up by one of Mr Jackson’s friends, Shoshana Palatnik, who said any money raised would go to his parents.

She posted this afternoon that Mr Jackson’s father Les had written: “We are bereft. Our darling Tom has left us and the world is a poorer place. Thanks again to everyone for the love and support you have given us over the last few days, we will be forever grateful.

“There is dark and evil in this world perpetrated by a few, but so much more love and light emanates from so many more. That thought will sustain us over the coming days.”

Just two days ago, Mr Jackson’s family released a heartbreaking letter to the community, after his father travelled to Queensland following the hostel stabbing.

In an open letter, Mr Jackson’s father Les Jackson, said he was “immensely proud” of his son for a number of reasons.

“His actions in response to this horrific attack only add to that sense of pride,” Mr Jackson said on Sunday.

“As a family we have been comforted by the help and support offered by our friends and family at home and in Australia who have been wonderful.

“As Tom’s dad here in Townsville that comfort and many offers of support and friendship has been given by the Townsville community.

“Please don’t think I am unappreciative of these kind offers if they appear to be silently ignored. They have not been but I think you will understand that our sole focus at the moment is entirely on Tom’s condition.”

Les also mentioned Ms Ayliffe-Chung in his statement.

“Finally, and most importantly, our hearts go out to Mia and her family and friends at this

dreadful time.”

Mr Jackson’s sister Liv Jackson posted a tribute online.

“Today it is with the heaviest of hearts that I have had to say goodbye to my wonderful big brother, Tom,” she wrote on Facebook.

“There is nothing in this world that can prepare you for the pain and heartbreak of losing a sibling and a friend, but there is great comfort in knowing that he was mine.

“To everyone back home and to everyone here in Australia there are literally not enough words to thank you for your support and beautifully kind words to my family at this time.

“All that I ask is that you don’t remember Tom as a victim. You remember him as a friend, cherish the memories you had together and be thankful you got to meet him and be part of the joy that he bought to this world.

“Indescribably proud of everything you accomplished and the lives you touched. I will love you always and forever TJ, your little sister, Lou.”

Mr Jackson’s death comes after Ms Ayliffe-Chung’s mother detailed plans for her daughter’s remains and funeral.

Rosie Ayliffe said she is planning a multi-faith funeral to celebrate her daughter’s life, including a reading from the Koran, before cremating her daughter and giving the ashes to Mia’s friends to scatter to countries where the keen traveller had not visited.

UK-based Rosie has written in The Independent about the difficulty of processing her daughter’s murder in north Queensland after not seeing her for a lengthy period.

“The problem is that I haven’t seen Mia for nearly a year, and so in my head she’s still alive, well and living in Australia, cracking jokes about throwing stones and setting up a stall to sell the rocks she’d picked up as part of her farm work,” Ms Ayliffe wrote.

She wrote that the only way she was able to cope with her loss was to think “Mia’s time had come, and what happened in that hostel on Tuesday was her fate”.

The fundraising page for Tom Jackson’s family has been set up through youcaring.com.