By Cara Sulieman
A CHARITY football match has raised almost £5,000 for the Scots couple who were mown down by a speeding motorist on their honeymoon.
John and Nicola Tams were on holiday in Sorrento when they were hit by the vehicle, leaving Nicola, 31, with broken ribs.
It took John, 30, a lot longer to recover after he had to be put in a medically induced coma to treat head and facial injuries.
His leg, pelvis and ribs were also smashed in the accident.
The football match saw John’s teams – the Heart’s supporters team Real Maroon and amateur team Duddingston Athletic – pitched against Hearts legends.
And although the legends won 16-0, around £5,000 was raised to cover the couple’s medical costs at the game at New Dundas Park, Bonnyrigg on Sunday
John said that he was “overwhelmed” by the support they had received from friends and family, and that the couple were going to head out on another honeymoon as soon as they could.
He said: “At some point we’re going to look to take another honeymoon.
“After what Nicola has been through, and the support she has given me, I think she deserves it.
“I was absolutely overwhelmed when I heard how she’d stayed by my side.
“I think it showed the strength of our marriage before it has hardly started.
“We are so happy with the efforts everyone has made.
“Nicola and I are recovering now, but it is slow progress and it’s difficult to walk with crutches.
“Everyday life can be tough, but we have so much support from doctors and friends.
“There’s still a long way to go but I hope I’ll be playing again with Real Maroon and Duddingston Athletic as soon as I can.
“Nicola and I are both very positive people and we’re looking forward to normality.”
Organiser Jamie Borthwick said that they day had been a success.
He said: “You can joke that it was a washout for us, but the day went fantastically and all the players were just thrilled to play against some of their idols.
“The audience were there to see the Hearts Legends anyway and they were delighted to see the lads land so many goals.
“Around 850 people paid to watch the game and lots more money was made in the auction, so we’re pleased to have raised so much for medical treatment for John and Nicola.
“Each player in the match has to raise at least £50 for the cause, and most raised £100 on average, so you can see how much we have made.”
