THE FAMILY of a Thornbury student who was severely injured in an accident while on a Greek island have spoken of a turbulent night following his surgery yesteday.

Lewis Evans, 18, was left in a critical state after the quad bike he had been riding in Zante crashed into a tree.

The accident has left him with a hole in each lung, a ruptured spleen, a smashed shoulder and numerous broken ribs.

After an initial delay in treatment, intervention from Thornbury and Yate MP Luke Hall, the foreign office and the Greek consulate has helped Lewis’ family’s efforts to move the process along.

Yesterday, Lewis received a CT scan which has now shown the full extent of his injuries, including the damage to his internal organs.

Surgeons operating on him have been able to repair the damage to his spleen, saying he will need observation for the next week before any futher move is made.

Lewis' mother Heidi, who is out in Zante with husband Martin, said that the past 24 hours had felt like "two steps forward, one step back."

Given his current, very frail condition, and the damage to his lungs, it is likely that Lewis will need further surgery on his lungs in the UK.

The family have been fundraising to help cover the expensive medical and transport fees that he is likely to receive, and have already raised more than £10,000.

“The doctors have told us they will be addressing his injuries one at a time, starting with working out what had to be done for his spleen,” said Heidi.

“We just cannot thank everyone for how much compassion they have shown us.

“This amazing fundraising campaign is vital as we now know that Lewis will definitely require a medical flight home and we are pleading with people to help.”

To contribute to the fundraising efforts, visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/roxsan-rowat?utm_id=1&utm_term=JardV3add