City couple's honeymoon horror

A NEWLYWED couple have been seriously injured after being hit by a car while on honeymoon in Italy.

John and Nicola Tams, who got married in Edinburgh just over a week ago, were struck by a car which is understood to have mounted a pavement as they came out of a restaurant just days into their honeymoon in Sorrento. Last night it was reported Mr Tams, 31, a secondary school teacher who plays for Hearts supporters team Real Maroon, had thrown himself in front of the vehicle to protect his wife.

It is understood Mr Tams, who is a craft, design and technology teacher, was thrown 30ft in the air after being hit by the car, while his wife, a care worker, was thrown into a wall. He suffered head and face injuries as well as a broken leg and ribs and was put into an induced coma by Italian doctors. His wife Nicola, 31, suffered broken ribs but is understood to be making a good recovery and is out of hospital.

The couple, who live in Bonnyrigg, were married in the Edinburgh Minto Hotel on Saturday, July 3, and went on honeymoon the following Monday. A few days later, the tragedy struck.

Get well soon messages have been pouring in for the couple on an online Hearts forum.

Mrs Tams' father Kenny Mackay is in Sorrento with his daughter and her mother Angela hopes to fly out there as soon as possible.

A fund has been set up by Mr Tams' team-mates to help the couple and their family through this difficult time and to help pay for flights for family to go and be with them.

One of his team-mates said on the forum: "You will never meet a nicer guy than John. The boy is a fighter and a winner, these qualities will see him through."

Updates on Mr Tam's condition have also been posted on the forum, with messages being sent back from Italy from Mr Tams' parents who flew out there to be with him.

The latest update said the swelling in his brain had gone down and he was responding to his arms and legs being touched.

He was also breathing by himself, although still on a ventilator, and was now moving his hands, feet and head.

One of his friends wrote on the forum: "John is a pleasure to know and a joy to play on the same park as. My every thought is with him and Nicola just now.

A spokesman for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: "We are aware of the hospilalisation of two British nationals in Naples. Their next of kin have been informed and are ready to provide full consular assistance.

"There is no update from the local authorities to this case at this time."

To donate to the appeal, contact Mr Tams' team-mates via www.clubwebsite.co.uk/realmaroon.