FIVE members of a Bridgwater area family have been seriously injured after an oil tanker crashed into them on a dual carriageway at the start of their summer holiday in Portugal.
The most badly hurt of them in the incident 10 days ago, Finn Webber, 23, remains in a coma in a Portuguese hospital having suffered multiple brain lesions.
His siblings Sam, 18, and Isobel, 15, are back in the family home in Combwich, currently unable to walk due to broken bones. Another sister, Meg, is also home having sustained bruising.
Their mother, Alessia (Ali), who had been due to start a new job as a veterinary surgeon in Bristol, is with them but has sustained nerve damage to her hands and is unable to perform daily tasks.
Her husband, Dan, has stayed behind in Portugal to be at Finn's hospital bedside.
The collision happened on a dual carriageway after Ali made an emergency stop to avoid an accident ahead of the car she was driving.
Dan, who was behind in another car, pulled up behind but was slammed into the back of Ali's car after being hit by the oil tanker.
Two friends travelling with the Webbers were also injured.
Family friend Iveta Lacy-Hulbert said Finn and Sam had to be cut out by firefighters and were both unconscious when taken to hospital.
Finn had surgery for a broken femur, dislocated hip and head trauma.
A GoFundMe appeal has been set up to help fly Finn home so he can be transferred to an intensive care unit at a hospital closer to the family home.
Iveta added: "He is still in a coma and his family are desperate to bring him back for recovery in the UK.
DONATE: To help meet the costs of repatriating Finn Webber click here.
"The costs to fly him back in this condition are in the region of £40,000.
"Unfortunately, Finn did not have travel insurance and all costs have to be covered by the family."
She added: "The (siblings) need their dad, who is by Finn's side, still in Portugal. The family need to be reunited and start healing at home.
READ MORE: More than 1,000 people respond to appeal to bring Finn back to the UK.
"I'm a family friend and am asking for help.
"Any donations, of any size are very much appreciated and will go directly towards the costs of Finn's repatriation home."
It has been reported today (Saturday, August 19) that Finn is starting to show signs of awareness and has opened his eyes several times.
He followed instructions to squeeze his dad's hand and is showing signs of recovery.
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