Fund-raising campaign set up for Lewis

The 30-year-old, one of the top kitesurfers in the world, was in a medically-induced coma for six days after a crash in the Red Bull King of the Air event in South Africa last month.

He is set to return to Worthing next week and more than £5,000 has already been raised online to help him return to professional level.

Crathern, who has been announced as a tour commentator for the 2016 IKA Kiteboarding World Championships, said: “It’s very unlike me to ask for help but a fundraiser has been set up to aid my recovery process, so I can return to my professional level.

“Any support would go a long way and is much appreciated. Again, I want to thank everyone from the lifeguards on the beach to the nurses and doctors at the hospital, sponsors, my family and my partner’s family, my partner, friends and anybody that’s shown me so much love and support.

“I’m very positive about what’s happened to me and I feel it happened to me for a reason.

“In time to come I hope I can inspire more people with my story, while also looking to further educate kitesurfers on ways we can look after each other better.”

The online fund-raising campaign is www.youcaring.com/lewiscrathernsrecovery

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.