Delron Barker, left, and Scott Hicks with a picture of Darren El Mettouri. (Picture by Steve Sarre, 0918865)

A GUERNSEYMAN seriously injured in a scooter crash in Thailand has now had a vital operation on his spine.

Family and friends of Darren El Mettouri started a campaign to raise money for his treatment after he broke his back and punctured a lung in a crash in Koh Samui earlier this month.

The 27-year-old did not have travel insurance and doctors demanded a down payment of £13,000 to carry out the operation. His treatment will end up costing tens of thousands.

Writing on Facebook, a social networking group internet site set up to raise money for Darren’s treatment, his brother Gareth said the operation had been a success.

‘Darren’s spine has been fixed and he still has feeling and movement in his legs, which was the main risk of the operation. He is still in intensive care and will remain there for the next four or five days because at present he is still on a breathing machine to help his lungs recover.’

Darren’s friend, Scott Hicks, said efforts to raise the thousands needed to pay for the treatment were going well.

• Read the full story in the Guernsey Press. See below for subscription details.