Corby boy asks 'how's the dog?' after finally waking up following parasailing accident in Greece

A Corby 15-year-old critically injured during a parasailing incident in Rhodes has woken up from an induced coma.

Cousins Mikey Connelly and Jessica Hayes were tragically killed during the incident three weeks ago and James was taken to hospital in Rhodes where he was placed in a coma to help his body to recover from the trauma of the accident.

James and his parents had been due to fly home in a meticulously-planned operation last Thursday. But James's bed was filled by another seriously-ill patient at the last minute and his devastated parents Sharon and Phil were told that they would have to wait until after the weekend to find out if James would be able to fly home.

But that delay would have meant that the Connellys would have had to follow strict quarantine rules that meant they would not have been able to visit their poorly son for 14 days.

After Corby MP Tom Pursglove was contacted urgently by the family at the end of last week, he immediately pulled strings with Health Secretary Matt Hancock who was able to help the family get home.

They arrived back on UK soil on Saturday (November 14).

Phil said that doctors had been left baffled by his rate of progress, adding: "James has just had his breathing tube out an hour or so ago. His breathing is good and there is plenty of oxygen in his blood.

"It's a big step forward and he'll be more comfortable from here on in. He's trying to talk but very dry and groggy still. His first words? How's the dog.

"James is getting the best care possible at the John Radcliffe hospital in Oxford. He is still very poorly but seems to be making progress and I'm sure he will come through this.

"James wouldn't be where he is without the help of many people. I thank you all and thank you all for your best wishes and prayers."

Phil also thanked Mr Pursglove and Mr Hancock for their help.

He said on Twitter: "Thank you @VotePursglove and @MattHancock, credit where its due. We're very grateful to have James home and getting the best of care at John Radcliffe. We got a thumbs up from him earlier and doctors are baffled by his rate of progress. Thanks again."

Mr Pursglove replied: "I am so pleased to hear James is making such good progress and please send him my very best for a speedy recovery - we’re all willing him on and if I can help your amazingly brave family further in any way, you only have to say."

And Mr Hancock replied: "Thrilled that James is back at home and in safe hands."

A fundraiser for the family has now reached a staggering £53,400. You can donate here.