THORNBURY student Lewis Evans has arrived back in the country after suffering a life-threatening accident on the Greek island of Zante.

The 18-year-old, who was in a critical condition with a ruptured spleen, holes in his lungs and a fractured vertebrae in his spine, was transported from a hospital on the Greek mainland to Bristol last night, and is now recovering in Southmead Hospital.

After Lewis’ travel insurance was voided due to the accident taking place on the vehicle, his family were left to fundraise to bring him home – with an incredible act of community spirit inspiring Thornbury to help raise over £50,000.

Travelling last night with his father Martin on a special medical flight, Lewis was then transported to the hospital, arriving late in the evening.

Meanwhile, his mother Heidi and her sister Lyndsey, travelled back on a separate flight, being reunited with Lewis and the rest of the family in Southmead.

Sue Turl, Lewis’ great aunt, who helped to coordinate the air ambulance flight from Thornbury, said: “It is fantastic Lewis is back in Bristol. The whole family is so relieved that such a big step to his recovery has been taken.

“What is important now is he gets the right care and plenty of rest – which is why we are asking for the time being, that Lewis gets the privacy he needs, with only close family visits being allowed.”