SUPPORTERS have raised more than £15,000 to aid a legal fight to bring Donald Campbell's record-breaking Bluebird K7 boat back to Coniston.

The Ruskin Museum is pursuing legal action against engineer Bill Smith, whose Bluebird Project has been restoring the iconic craft. 

Campbell died on January 4 1967, aged 45, when the hydroplane flipped into the air and disintegrated as he attempted a new water speed record on Coniston Water.

In 2001 his body and the wreckage of the Bluebird were recovered from the lake by North Shields-based engineer Bill Smith and the Bluebird Project team. 

The Westmorland Gazette: Bill Smith, leader of the underwater team on top of the wreck of the Bluebird in 2001Bill Smith, leader of the underwater team on top of the wreck of the Bluebird in 2001 (Image: Phil Noble/PA)

Campbell's daughter Gina Campbell gifted the wrecked vehicle to the museum.

Here, it was stipulated that it fell upon Mr Smith to restore it to its former glory.

The museum and its trustees are hoping to raise £50,000 to be used towards legal costs in bringing it back to a specially built wing of the Ruskin Museum following 'four years of negotiations'. 

Mr Smith has said he will contest the claim and is committed to displaying K7 in the Bluebird Wing at the museum.

Director at the museum Tracy Hodgson said: “We would like to thank everyone who has donated to the Go Fund Me campaign so far. The amount raised in such a short time is incredible but we still have a fair way to go, so we kindly ask if people could like, share and if possible donate to help us Bring Bluebird Home." 

Gina Campbell said: "Seventeen years have passed since we gifted K7, and the museum is still waiting for her return.

The Westmorland Gazette: Gina Campbell, daughter of the speed legend Donald Campbell, pictured with a replica of Bluebird K7 at the opening of The Lake District Bluebird Garden at RHS Tatton Show.Gina Campbell, daughter of the speed legend Donald Campbell, pictured with a replica of Bluebird K7 at the opening of The Lake District Bluebird Garden at RHS Tatton Show. (Image: NQ)

“Our wish was that Bluebird K7 would reside in the museum for all time and be run on special occasions, so that the British public could see this iconic piece of history, K7 is an important part of UK’s heritage and her future needs to be secured for future generations.”

Earlier this year Mr Smith said the Bluebird Project was 'still committed to displaying K7 in the Bluebird Wing, we always were and that hasn't changed, ever. And we remain ever willing to discuss it and reach a deal'.

To facilitate this, and in spite of their reluctance, the museum sees legal action as a last recourse given the lack of progress elsewhere.

To donate to the fundraiser, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/bring-bluebird-k7-home-to-coniston