Corby teen critically injured in Rhodes parasailing incident to be flown back to UK in coming hours

James Connelly has been in Rhodes General Hospital since the accident on October 28

A Corby 15-year-old who sustained serious injuries in a horrific parasailing incident during a half-term holiday in Rhodes will be flown back to the UK to receive expert treatment from specialist medics.

James Connelly, whose brother Mikey, 13, and cousin Jessica Hayes, 15, were tragically killed during the incident, has been kept in a medically- induced coma in a Greek hospital while he is treated for his horrendous injuries. His parents Phil and Sharon have remained in Rhodes with James since the incident on October 28.

In the next 36-hours a delicate logistical operation will be carried out to get Kingswood Secondary Academy student James home to the UK where he can continue his treatment. The timing of the journey is subject to James being well enough and to negative Covid tests being returned this morning (Thursday, November 12)

Jessica, 15, and Mikey, 13, were killed in the incident

Speaking to the Northants Telegraph last night, steelworker Phil Connelly said that an air ambulance will accompany the party including experienced medics from runway to runway and then a road ambulance will transport James and mum Sharon to John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. Phil will travel separately and will meet the group back in the UK.

Phil said there is a long road to recovery ahead for their son: "James is still in an induced coma and has been throughout although he has beaten off infection."

Thanking the huge international support network that has pulled together to help the Connelly and Hayes families since the tragic incident, Phil said: "We have had unbelievable support here, specifically from The Mayor's Office of Rhodes, the vice-consulate, the owner and staff of the Semiramis City Hotel in Rhodes Town, Natwest Insurance, Easyjet Holidays, the doctors and care-givers in the ICU in Rhodes General Hospital, Savvis our driver, the port authority and the emergency services of Greece.

"The locals here have been amazing, and the candle-lit vigil on the beach was so touching. The hotel guests that have helped with the police enquiries have been very helpful and it's much appreciated.

Phil thanked all the staff at Rhodes General Hospital, where James has been receiving treatment

"On the UK side there are too many to mention. A special thanks for all the prayers and messages of support we, as a family, have received from every corner of the UK and beyond.

"We couldn't get through this without the support of friends and family."

The people of Corby and beyond have raised an incredible £52,000 to help support the families through the coming months.Phil said: "The Go Fund Me page is testament to the generosity of people, most of which we'll never meet. Every donation and kind message will not be forgotten."

The Hayes family were able to return to Corby a few days after the incident. Jess and Mikey have already been repatriated. Their funeral will be arranged in the coming weeks.

Floral tributes from school pupils at Kingswood for their fellow-student Mikey

Pupils at Kingswood in Gainsborough Road laid floral tributes to Mikey and students at Uppingham Community College, where Jess was a pupil, wore black ties on their first day back after half-term.

Students have been offered emotional support by a team of counsellors.

You can donate to the fundraiser here.

- A Greek police investigation into the tragedy is ongoing and two men have been arrested.