FRIENDS and family of Thornbury teen Lewis Evans gathered for a special party on Saturday to celebrate the amazing community effort that brought him home.

Lewis was left fighting for his life in a hospital on the Greek island of Zante after crashing into a tree on a quadbike, sustaining a range of critical injuries including holes in both lungs, a ruptured spleen and severe damage to his shoulder.

His family launched a heartfelt appeal to the community after his insurance company had voided his policy, leaving them no option but to raise £30,000 to transport him home for treatment.

A wave of charity across the Thornbury community and the wider area saw more than £50,000 raised in a matter of weeks, including an incredible fundraising effort by Thornbury’s Tesco store, where Lewis works, who raised £10,000 as well as rallying other stores in the South West to fundraise.

A further £10,000 was also donated by Lewis’ insurer the Post Office after an intervention from former Thornbury and Yate MP Steve Webb.

Dozens turned out for the party on Saturday at the Black Horse, with the family having put on a full buffet meal and arranging for a DJ to entertain dancers through the night.

Thornbury and Yate MP Luke Hall, who helped set the wheels in motion to get Lewis the care he needed, also made a brief appearance to join in the festivities.

Speaking to the Gazette, Lewis said how great it was to see everyone at the party having fun.

He said: “I have to say a massive thank you to all the people who helped get me back. If it wasn’t for them there is a good chance I might not even be here right now.”

Lewis’ dad Martin added: “It is great to see everyone here this evening and we want to thank them for all their support.

“But in truth we will never be able to thank the people of Thornbury and everyone who helped bring Lewis back. What they did was incredible, but I can only hope it never needs to happen again.”

Following his return home, Lewis has been able to return to work at Tesco, but has had to delay his return to studying at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College in Filton while the damage to his should undergoes further assessments.