Honeymooner hit by car in Italy could be home next week

A TEACHER who was left in a coma after being struck by a speeding car while on honeymoon in Italy could be home as early as this week.

Newlyweds John and Nicola Tams, from Bonnyrigg, were both hospitalised after being struck by the car in the early hours of July 9 as they made their way back to their hotel after a night out.

Mr Tams was thrown 30ft in the air and sustained serious head injuries, while his wife was thrown into a wall and suffered four broken ribs.

Mr Tams, 30, was put into a coma by doctors immediately after the accident, but his condition has been improving steadily.

His friends and team mates from Hearts' supporters club Real Maroon have been documenting his progress on online forum Jambos-Dot-Net and leaving get well messages for Mr and Mrs Tams.

One of the team members and close friend, Ross McGill, told of "remarkable" recovery and said doctors believed he would be fit to be transferred home within days.

He said: "John still making good progress. Should only have another three days or so in intensive care, think it will still be okay for coming home."

Meanwhile, Mrs Tams, who has vowed to stay with her husband in Italy until he is well enough to come home, said she witnessed several accident victims during her own seven-day stay in hospital and warned tourists about the dangers of going to Sorrento on holiday.

Care worker Mrs Tams, 31, said: "It's so dangerous in Sorrento.

"Everybody drives fast. They don't stop at zebra crossings and there's no traffic lights.

"I would say to people not to come to Sorrento for holidays.

"As much as it's a beautiful place, it's so dangerous."

Mr Tams, who is a craft and design teacher at Dalkeith High School, also plays for Duddingston Athletic, where get well messages have been pouring in for him and his new wife.

A club spokesman said: "Our thoughts are with John, Nicola, and their families at this time.

"Our friend, and teammate, shows strength and leadership on the pitch and we are certain he will use these same qualities to make a full recovery."

Fellow Duddingson Athletic team-mate Grant Ferguson said: "John Tams is more than just a football player to this club, he's family to us that know him best.

"There are really no words to describe what happened to John and Nicola on their honeymoon - all I can say is that everyone at Duddingston is thinking of them and wishing them well.

Members of Real Maroon have launched a fundraising drive to help the couple and their families. Visit www.clubwebsite.co.uk/realmaroon.