England fan attacked by Russian Ultras making a steady recovery
Family say he is learing how to walk again
A FOOTBALL fan from Hinckley who was battered into a coma by Russian Ultras at the Euro 2016 tournament is having to learn how to walk again, his family have said.
Stewart Gray was attacked by a hooligan wielding a metal bar or hammer before England’s opening match against Russia in Marseille on June 11.
The 47-year-old spent several weeks fighting for his life in a French hospital before being airlifted to Leicester Royal Infirmary at the end of June.
The avid Leicester City fan, who could not remember the Foxes’ historic title win when he awoke, is now in the brain injury unit at Leicester General Hospital.
His family said he is making “steady progress” and is slowly learning how to walk again.
Friends and family set up a fundraising page for Mr Gray to pay for his ongoing medical bills, mortgage payments and other expenses.
The latest post on the fundraising page said: “Stew is currently residing in the brain injury unit at Leicester General Hospital, making steady progress.
“He is able to communicate effectively, albeit sometimes confused and is re-learning physical skills such as walking.
“He has made excellent steps over the last nine weeks but long term rehabilitation is the key to full recovery.
“A website will shortly go live which will provide further updates and information regarding fundraising events.”
The page, which originally aimed to raise £5,000, topped the £30,000 mark last week.
Independent design firm casualco.com raised more than £1,500 through selling personalised Leicester City pins with a Latin message reading “That they may have life” inscribed.
Mr Gray’s brother Neil previously said the family are “totally humbled” by the money raised and thanked everybody for their support.
He wrote on Facebook: “I have received over a thousand messages of support and I have read out every single one to him.
“In fact, I like to think this is the main reason he has pulled through.
“In addition a huge amount of money has been raised to support Stew’s long-term recovery.
“The family are totally humbled by the amount raised and the number of people who have contributed from all over the country.
“Stew is lucky to be alive, and lucky to have so many incredible friends.”
French police said Mr Gray was found seriously injured in the Rue Forte Notre Dame area at 4pm.
Officers said the violence was started by a group of 150 “highly trained” Russian Ultras carrying telescopic batons, coshes and knives.
Prosecutors previously said they are treating the attack as attempted murder, but it is not clear if anybody has been charged.