Thousands raised for Scotland fan who broke back in car crash

Thousands of pounds have been raised to support a Scotland fan who suffered a broken back in a crash just hours after arriving in Germany for the Euros.

Gary Ellis was one of five Scots injured in the crash after the driver drove on the wrong side of the road and colliding with oncoming traffic close to Weeze Airport around midnight on June 14.

Police confirmed the 25-year-old driver and a 23-year-old passenger were seriously injured in the collision while three other passengers – aged 25, 23, and 23 – were said to be slightly injured.

Following the collision, a GoFundMe fundraiser has been launched to help Mr Ellis and his family in his recovery.

Almost £10,000 has been raised by kindhearted Scotland fans after Mr Ellis broke his back in the crash.

Organiser Graham Pert revealed that Mr Ellis is currently in hospital in Germany where doctors are trying to determine the best form of treatment for him.

Mr Pert said he hopes that people can “come together in support” to help Mr Ellis and his family during this time.

“All funds will go to help take the stress off Gary’s family and his girlfriend Kiera along with helping Gary on his recovery when he lands back on home land as recovery for him may take some time,” the fundraiser said.

German police said the group of friends had travelled to Germany for the Euros and had hired a Citreon C3 car after arriving the airport before travelling on to Dusseldorf.

In a statement following the crash, police said the group had been on their way from the airport terminal towards the exit when they drove in the wrong lane and into oncoming traffic.

They added: “This resulted in a head-on collision with a Mercedes Benz S-Class driven by a 45-year-old man from Dusseldorf who was traveling towards the terminal.

“Based on the investigations as part of the accident report, it is suspected that the Scottish driver used the wrong lane due to the left-hand traffic in his home country.

“The driver of the Citroen and a 23-year-old passenger were seriously injured in the accident, while the driver of the Daimler-Benz and three other people in the Citroen were slightly injured. All of the people were taken to various hospitals in the region by the emergency services.

“As the driver who caused the accident was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol, a blood sample was taken from him in the hospital. The Citroen was seized to protect the property.”

The force confirmed no arrests have been made in relation to the crash.

A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed that they are supporting a number of British nationals following the incident.

They added: “We are in contact with the local authorities”.