Wife vows to wait for her injured husband

THE new wife of a teacher left in a coma after they were both struck by a speeding car while on honeymoon in Italy has vowed she will not come home without him.

John Tams, 30, faces a long recovery after sustaining head injuries in the accident last week in Sorrento.

His wife Nicola, who suffered four broken ribs and was in hospital herself for a week, told the Evening News she will remain in Italy until he is well enough to come back to Scotland.

The couple, who live in Bonnyrigg and got married in the Edinburgh Minto Hotel on July 3, were just days into their Italian honeymoon when tragedy struck.

Mr Tams, a secondary school teacher who plays for Hearts' supporters team Real Maroon, was put into an induced coma by doctors in Naples.

His wife has been warned his recovery will be a long process and it is too early to say whether he will make a full recovery or not, but he has already made some progress.

Mrs Tams, who was released from hospital yesterday, was due to see her husband for the first time since the accident last night. Speaking from her hotel room near the hospital, she said she couldn't wait to be reunited with her husband.

The 31-year-old care worker said: "There has been a wee bit of progress, but it's going to be a long recovery and we need to take each day step by step.

"I'm happy today because I haven't seen John for seven days because I was in a different hospital and it has been really emotional.

"I have got his wedding band so I'm really excited about seeing him, getting this ring on his finger, talk to him and be with him. I will be out here until I bring John back with me."

She added: "They are doing scans and they are doing everything they can. To be honest, I'm so glad he is in Naples hospital because he is near the university hospital, so he is getting the best treatment."

The couple were coming home from a night out when they were hit by a car. Mr Tams was thrown 30ft and bore the brunt of the impact, while his wife was thrown into a wall.

She said: "We were about two minutes away from our hotel. We managed to cross the road and get to the other side but there was a car that was going so unbelievably fast he just got the edge of me and John. Because John was on my right-hand side, he went up in the air and he got the worst injuries.

"It was a young boy driving too fast. He did stop after. The police came to see me in hospital and take a statement. I have got four broken ribs and stitches but I'm healing."

A Midlothian Council spokesperson said today: "We were shocked and saddened to hear about John Tams' tragic accident. Mr Tams is a highly skilled and popular teacher. We would like to extend our best wishes to Mr Tams' family and friends at this difficult time. We wish Mr Tams a full and comprehensive recovery."

Mr Tams' team-mates have launched a fundraising campaign to help support the couple and their families. To donate to the appeal, contact Mr Tams' team-mates via www.clubwebsite.co.uk/realmaroon.