15 July 2010 Last updated at 11:16 ET

Midlothian man in coma after honeymoon crash in Italy

John and Nicola Tams before the car accident

A man is in a coma in hospital after he and his wife were hit by a car while on honeymoon in Italy.

John and Nicola Tams, from Midlothian, were injured as they left a restaurant in Sorrento.

Mr Tams, 31, suffered head, leg and chest injuries and has been put into a medically-induced coma by doctors at an Italian hospital.

Mrs Tams, also 31, suffered a chest injury and needed hospital treatment but has since been discharged.

It has been reported that Mr Tams threw himself in front of the vehicle, which had mounted the pavement, to protect his wife.

The Bonnyrigg couple married on 3 July at the Minto Hotel in Edinburgh and travelled to the Naples area of Italy a few days later for their honeymoon.

Mr Tams' parents have flown out to be at his side and it is understood Mrs Mr Tams' mother has also travelled.

Craft, design and technology teacher Mr Tams is a long-standing player with the Real Maroon football club, a team of Hearts supporters.

A statement on the club website said: "Real Maroon is greatly distressed to hear of an accident involving long-serving player John Tams and his wife Nicola on their honeymoon in Naples.

"The club wishes John and Nicola every good wish and positive thought for their quick and full recovery in Italy and thanks the Italian authorities for looking after them since the incident occurred.

"Real Maroon's every thought is with him, Nicola and their families in Naples now and we hope to see him back home as soon as possible."

The club has launched a fundraising appeal to support Mr Tams' recovery and help keep his family at his side.