NEARLY £50,000 has been raised from an online appeal to help a Somerset family involved in an horrific car crash while starting a holiday in Portugal.

The Webber family, from Combwich, and two friends, were travelling in two cars when they were forced to make an emergency stop because of an accident ahead and an oil tanker slammed into the back of them.

All six members of the family and their two friends were badly hurt, with brothers Finn and Sam having to be cut free from the wreckage by firefighters unconscious.

Finn, aged 23, was worst injured and was kept in a coma in Portuguese hospital with head injuries and a broken leg and dislocated hip.

An online appeal was made by family friend Iveta Lacy-Hulbert and Finn’s sister Megan to raise the £40,000 to fly him back to the UK.

This week, Finn was waiting for an intensive care bed to become available in a Bristol hospital so he could be transferred back to England.

He was showing signs of recovery and awareness and had opened his eyes several times and followed his father Dan’s instructions to squeeze his hand.

Mr Webber remained with Finn in Portugal while his wife Alessia, who is known as Ali, and their other son Sam, aged 18, and daughters Megan and 15-year-old Isobel returned home.

Megan escaped with bruising, but Sam and Isabel were unable to walk after suffering broken bones and were having to use a wheelchair and crutches to get around.

Mrs Webber, who was due to have started a new job with a veterinary practice in Bristol, sustained nerve damage to her hands which has prevented her from carrying out daily tasks or working.

Mrs Lacy-Hulbert said: “The Webber family are very much touched and overwhelmed by the support they are receiving from everyone.

“Just to know how many people care for Finn and for their family is helping them to feel stronger.

“Thank you very much to every single one of you who made a donation and sent messages.

“Those who know the Webbers personally know how kind, generous, and supportive they are towards other people and always help those in need.”

Anybody who wants to support the fund-raising appeal, which has so far raised £48,520, can find it here https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-bring-finn-back-to-uk.