Teammates of John Tams, 30, who was severely injured when he was hit by a car while on his honeymoon in Italy are to play a team of Hearts Legends to raise funds to support his recovery.

John and his new wife Nicola, from Bonnyrigg, Midlothian were tragically struck by a speeding motorist in Sorrento, southern Italy, two weeks ago.

Nicola suffered broken ribs and John was put into an induced medical coma by doctors to treat his critical head and facial injuries. He also broke his leg, pelvis and ribs in the collision.

Despite making incredible progress John remains in intensive care in Naples hospital where he is being looked after by some of Italy's top doctors.

His parents, wife Nicola and in-laws are currently with him to support his gradual recovery.

Their expenses and those to be met to give John the best in treatment to help him get better are the focus of this fundraising drive.

John is a long-serving player with both Saturday morning Hearts supporters team Ream Maroon and Sunday amateur team Duddingston Athletic. The two clubs have come together to announce this benefit match.

The match will take place at Bonnyrigg Rose's home pitch, New Dundas Park, on Sunday 5th September, kick-off 3pm.

A select side of Real Maroon players who have played with John will take on the legends in the first half, and a Duddingston Select will play the second half against the former Jambos.

Each player and manager will have to raise at least £50 to the cause. A signed Hearts shirt will be raffled and another signed Hearts kit will be auctioned to raise money for the fund.

Entry to the game at the gate will also go towards the fund - £3 for adults, £1 for U18s and free for U5s.

The Hearts Legends count stalwarts from Tynecastle days gone by such as Henry Smith, John Robertson, Gary Mackay, Jose Quitongo and Alan Lawrence among their ranks. The side takes on challengers to raise cash for good causes and has raised more than £26,000 in the last two years.

Iain Porterfield, Real Maroon manager, said: "On behalf of the club I am delighted to be have this opportunity to help John in such a fitting manner.

"He is a Real Maroon club legend - anyone from the oldest veteran to the youngest newcomer will tell you that.

"The support the club has received for John has been overwhelming, and whatever we raise will hopefully go a long way to helping his recovery."

Mikey Dixon, Duddingston Athletic manager, said: "As a club we are delighted to do anything we can to help out John, Nicola and their families in this time of need and are honoured to join forces with Real Maroon to play in a fundraising match with the Hearts Legends.

"I would like to thank all the Hearts' Legends on behalf of Duddingston Athletic for giving us this opportunity to raise as much money as we can for a much loved friend and teammate.

"I look forward to a great day's entertainment and even more so to the day when John pulls on the red and black shirt of Duddingston Athletic again."

Lawrence Broadie, Hearts marketing manager, said: "We're very pleased to be able to support John and Nicola at this extraordinarily difficult time.

"The players and coaches were in Italy at the time of hearing about their accident and they were very shocked to hear the news.

"It goes without saying that everyone at Tynecastle extends their best wishes to them both.

"Indeed Jim Jefferies has written to them wishing them a speedy recovery."

Alan White, Hearts community development manager, said: "The Hearts Legends team has raised more than £26,000 in the last two years for charities and worthwhile causes such as Marie Curie, Sick Kids and Teenage Cancer Trust and in turn, we hope, have contributed to our communities' benefit.

"We hope that the Legends team can continue to play their part and help raise funds through this special benefit match to support both John and Nicola."

Background information

Real Maroon was formed in 2001 and competes in the Scottish league of the Internet Football Association. John Tams is a former captain and player of the year of the side.

Duddingston Athletic was founded as Royal Scot Star in 1986 in Ratho and became Duddingston Athletic in 1996 after a move to the area. It competes in the Edinburgh and District Sunday Amateur Premier Division. John has been player of the year and players' player of the year three years running.