Seasiders fan home after coma trauma

David Legge, 12, had a seizure after he fell off a lilo in the pool at the hotel in Girona near Barcelona.

His brother Adam, 14, raised the alarm and held him up in the water and dad Mark dived in to pull him out.

While in hospital, his grandad Bob from South Shore asked Blackpool FC to send him an audio message to help bring him out of the coma.

His favourite player Colin Daniel made a recording telling David that everyone at the club was wishing him well and also sent a signed shirt.

Dad Mark said the message had immediately got a response from David and also helped keep the family’s spirits up in their time of need.

He said: “It was wonderful and we are so grateful. We have had a lot of support while we were out in Barcelona but the pinnacle was that message. It really helped. When we played it you could see him react.

“When he came round we used it to help with his recollection. He could not recall anything that happened on the day, just being with a friend at the hotel the day before. Afterwards it helped his recovery. We were not sure if he was going to come out of the coma or not – as a parent it was the most awful thing.

“When he came out it was probably the worst time because we did not know how badly he would be affected.

"At first he could not talk or breathe on his own his eyes were droopy. When we used to play the message his big, blue eyes opened wide.

“We flew back from Spain to Derry this week with a doctor and his improvement since then has been amazing.

"He just wants to do all the things a normal 12-year-old can do but we are having to take it a step at a time. He can’t wait to see his grandad in Blackpool and visit the club again.”

A Blackpool FC spokesman said: “Everybody is delighted to hear the news that David has been discharged from hospital and is now continuing his recovery at home. The club has been in regular contact with his family throughout and looks forward to seeing him back at Bloomfield Road.”

Midfielder Colin Daniel said: “I’ve been constantly receiving updates from the club about David’s progress, and I was even sent a video message from David thanking me for the signed shirt. It’s great to hear that he’s now on the mend and we’re all really looking forward to meeting him at a game.”