New husband fights for life after saving wife from car crash horror

John and Nicola Tams, both 31, were leaving a restaurant in Sorrento when a driver appeared to have lost control of his car and mounted a pavement, driving straight at the couple.

Mr Tams is thought to have tried to push his wife against a wall to safety, but caught the full impact of the collision and was thrown 30ft into the air.

He was in a critical condition in hospital in Naples yesterday where doctors had to induce a coma because of swelling to his brain.

They were battling to treat serious head wounds, facial injuries, smashed ribs and a broken leg. Doctors also had to attach him to a ventilator machine to help him breathe.

Ms Tams suffered broken ribs and shock, but was yesterday released by doctors before staying at her husband's bedside.

Her father Kenny Mackay has flown from his home in Edinburgh to be with her.

The couple, from Bonnyrigg in Midlothian, had married at Edinburgh's Minto Hotel on Saturday, 3 July, and had their official wedding party photographs taken on Arthur's Seat.

They flew out on honeymoon on Monday 5 July which co- incided with Mr Tams's holiday from his day job as a school craft and design teacher. But friends of the amateur footballer, who plays for Hearts supporters club Real Maroon, were rallying to their aid.

A statement from his team-mates said: "Real Maroon is greatly distressed to hear of an accident involving long-serving player John Tams and his wife Nicola on their honeymoon. The club wishes John and Nicola every good wish and positive thought for their quick and full recovery in Italy and thanks the Italian authorities for looking after them.

"Real Maroon is much encouraged to hear of progress with John's condition day on day, and is delighted to report that Nicola has now been discharged from hospital.

"However, the club understands the road may be a long one for John and his family and as such fundraising to support them is of paramount importance to all at Real Maroon.

"The club hopes to announce events to raise money to sup-port John and his family very soon."

A special fund has been set up by Mr Tams's team-mates to help pay for flights and accommodation for relatives to be with them.

One of his team-mates said: "You will never meet a nicer guy than John.

"The boy is a fighter and a winner, these qualities will see him through."

A spokesman for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: "We are aware of the hospitalisation of two British nationals.

"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 visit: www.clubwebsite.co.uk/realmaroon