British footballer in car accident in South Africa

Footballer George Howard has returned home to the UK following a near fatal car accident while on holiday in South Africa.

Howard, 20 was left fighting for his life after the serious car accident last month.

The former Gillingham goalkeeper was in a coma in intensive car but doctors in South Africa deemed he had stabilised enough to fly back to continue his recuperation in the UK.

The ex-Charlton Athletic youth and Bromley goalkeeper, who suffered severe injuries in the near-fatal crash, tweeted: "So good to be home."

His friend Martin di Fede said in an online statement that Mr Howard's return to the UK was the "news we have all been praying for".

Mr Howard joined Gillingham at the start of the 2013/14 season but did not make a first team appearance for the League One side.

Following the crash, friends raised funds amid concerns his insurance company would not pay for his treatment, costing thousands of pounds a day, but the firm has now reportedly agreed to pay up.


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