A YOUNG man from Thornbury is fighting for his life in a Greek hospital after a freak accident on holiday.

Lewis Evans, 18, had been travelling on a quad bike with a friend on Monday when the vehicle crashed into a tree on the Greek island of Zante, leaving him with a series of horrific injuries.

As well as severe shoulder injuries and broken ribs, damage to Lewis’ lung requires it to constantly be drained of blood and fluid.

But despite the severity of his injuries, the hospital had not made clear what diagnosis or treatment, if any, have been made, despite having a valid European travel card, which should allow him treatment.

His parents, Martin and Heidi Evans, who have gone out to be with him, have said that the SGS College sports student has not been seen to by any doctors, despite the hospital saying over the phone that he was in surgery at the time.

“Lewis is a kind-hearted, loving young man, the type of person who would do anything for anyone,” said Heidi.

“It is totally unfair that something so horrible can happen to someone so good.

“We are terrified and have flown out after being told to expect the worst, but I have to stay strong for my son.”

Since their arrival, the couple had faced issues in helping their son due to the language barrier between them and the hospital staff, and excuses that hospital machines are faulty.

But thanks to intervention by the Foreign Office and Thornbury and Yate MP Luke Hall, the family have seen some results, with Lewis having undergone a CT scan this morning.

A spokesman from the MP's office said that a representative from the consulate would be going to the hospital today, and if needed Lewis might be transported to the mainland for treatment.

Lewis and his friend, who fortunately only sustained hand injuries in the accident, had travel insurance for the trip, but their insurer has told his parents that they would not be eligible for a payment due to their partaking in “extreme sports”.

A keen footballer, Lewis, a former Castle School student, has been an active player for both Thornbury Town FC and Almondsbury FC for many years.

Given his weak condition, Martin and Heidi had been advised that the correct equipment to move their son either to another hospital or back home for treatment would be costly, at a minimum of £30,000 – plus the cost of treatment.

But the family have said that as it took 48 hours they would continue fundraising efforts to ensure Lewis gets the best care he can.

In less than 12 hours, the family had already raised over £3,000.

Heidi added: “Everyone has been so supportive over the past couple of days, we are eternally grateful for their help.

“But right now I am just begging for help. We are now just looking forward to bringing Lewis home.”

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