A POPULAR Widnes Tigers player needed life-saving surgery on Tuesday night.

James O’Neill is now in a stable condition in a hospital after he was found with life-threatening injuries while on a short break with friends in Magaluf.

The 29-year-old, from Widnes, needed an operation to decompress the swelling on his brain after suffering severe injuries to his face.

His cousin Natalie Ostick, 31, who flew out with James’ parents and her sister Chloe, told the Runcorn and Widnes World on Thursday: “The surgery was a success but we were told there had been complications.

“But each day James is making small improvements. He is still in a coma but doctors have started to reduce the sedation because the pressure in his brain has remained consistently stable for the last 48 hours.

“This takes a number of days. If the swelling goes back up they will put him back into the coma state.

“The last 48 hours have seen him stabilise which we know is his way of fighting it.”

The family have also met with the British Consulate, who have been described as a ‘lifeline’.

She added: “They have spoken with police and it is said that the case is not suspicious and no other parties are said to be involved.

“It is a simple horrific accident when James was on his way home. We have been at James’ bedside at every possible opportunity.

“Even though James is heavily sedated and in a coma we are still talking to him, telling him about all the love and support back home and laughing and joking about how he managed to get his mum and dad out to Magaluf.”

The family would also like to thank Jon O’Neill after he offered a home for the family to stay in. Thousands of pounds has also been raised to support the family as they face an indefinite stay in Spain.

“It honestly helped his mum and dad knowing their son is well loved and respected in our small town with a big heart,” added Natalie.

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