A TEENAGER who was in an induced coma following a tragic car crash has opened his eyes for the first time.

Kyle Collier, from Colchester, was the passenger in a car involved in a crash in Thorrington.

The driver, Shane Scott, died at the scene just days after his 21st birthday.

Kyle, 18, suffered serious head injuries and was put into a coma at Addenbrooke’s Hospital.

Anita Sparrow, a family friend, said he is making slow progress.

She said: “Kyle is still in intensive care, he still has swelling and fluid on the brain and we won’t know more on his condition until this reduces.

“The hospital has reduced his drugs and he has briefly opened his eyes and squeezed his mum’s hand.

“His mum was overwhelmed when he opened his eyes, it has given her a bit of hope.

“She doesn’t dare get her hopes up too much, he has a long road to recovery and until he comes out of the coma fully they won’t know if there is any long-term damage.

“We have all been talking to him and playing music in the hope he can hear and it will give him strength to keep fighting.”

The family held a fundraiser at the Wivenhoe Mayor’s Fete on the Field, making a total of £997.

The Colne Community School has also confirmed they will be holding a non-uniform day on July 14, with all funds going to the Neuroscience Critical Care unit at Addenbrooke’s.

Anita said: “We would like to thank everyone who supported the fundraiser for Kyle. This wouldn’t have been possible without the support of businesses in Wivenhoe and the generosity of people.

“It only came together because of the incredible support of his mum Angela Soton’s closest friends, Becky Bryant, Claire Vanner and Vicki Nixon.They worked tirelessly to ensure the event was a success.”

The money raised at the Wivenhoe event will support Angela and her partner Chris with travelling to and from the hospital and stay in a room with him.

Visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/kyle-collier.