Hearts legends to play team-mates of crash husband

FRIENDS of a man who was left with serious head injuries after being hit by a car while on his honeymoon are to play a team of Hearts legends to raise funds to support his recovery.

Teacher John Tams, 30, is in intensive care in an Italian hospital following the accident in Sorrento two weeks ago.

His new wife Nicola, 31, was also hit by the speeding car as the couple made their way back to their hotel after a night out.

She suffered four broken ribs and is recovering in a hotel near her husband's hospital in Naples and vowed not to come back home without him.

Mr Tams' friends have been raising money since the tragic accident to help support the couple, from Bonnyrigg, and their families.

His team-mates from Hearts' supporters club Real Maroon and Sunday amateurs Duddingston Athletic have joined forces to put on the benefit match against former Jambos, whose side could include the likes of Henry Smith, John Robertson, Gary Mackay, Jose Quitongo and Alan Lawrence.

Lawrence Broadie, Hearts' marketing manager, said: "We're very pleased to be able to support John and Nicola at this difficult time. The players and coaches were in Italy at the time of hearing about the accident and they were very shocked to hear the news.

"It goes without saying that everyone at Tynecastle extends their best wishes to them both.

"Indeed Jim Jefferies has written to them wishing them a speedy recovery."

The match will take place at Bonnyrigg Rose's home, New Dundas Park, on September 5.

A select side of Real Maroon players who have played with Mr Tams will take on the legends in the first half, and a Duddingston select will play the second half.

Each player and manager will have to raise at least 50 to take part in the match, while a signed Hearts kit will be auctioned off on the day.

Spectators will also be charged a small entry fee to watch the game, which will also go towards supporting the recovery of Mr and Mrs Tams.

Iain Porterfield, Real Maroon manager, said: "On behalf of the club I am delighted to be have this opportunity to help John in such a fitting manner.

"The support the club has received for John has been overwhelming, and whatever we raise will hopefully go a long way to helping his recovery."

Mikey Dixon, Duddingston Athletic manager, added: "As a club we are delighted to do anything we can to help out John, Nicola and their families in this time of need."