AN UNLUCKY Welsh tourist that was knocked off of a quad bike after a speedy car struck her face was left with gruesome injuries.
Holly Thomas, 21, from South Wales, was enjoying a trip to Greek island paradise with her family before a ‘traumatising’ incident.
The family-of-four jetted off to Zante from Bristol Airport on June 5 for a week in the sun, before splashing out €250 on two quad bikes.
On day 3 of their trip they opted to use the bikes to explore one of the island’s most famed attractions – the stunning Blue Caves.
Pontypool native Holly, claims a car travelling at 50mph hit the back of her quad bike on the way back, sending her flying through the air.
Graphic photos show Holly’s face covered in scrapes and bruises, and a large swollen ‘blood pool’ on the back of her right leg, also said to be caused by the crash.
The Fine Enforcement Officer was rushed to a local hospital where she underwent a brain scan and had to have stitches on her head.
Holly was tragically chained to her room in the all-inclusive hotel for the rest of the trip to recover.
She flew back to Britain on June 12 and is still recovering at home.
Doctors have warned that her injuries could take months to heal and she vows never to use a quad bike ever again.
It was Holly’s first time in one and now parents Alison and David are urging Brits to be mindful before hiring the dangerous bikes, feeling that the laws abroad aren’t stringent enough.
Mum Alison was on the other quad bike with Holly’s dad David who both watched the awful scenes unfold right behind them.
Alison explained: “A car overtook us and they were going really fast so it made me quite nervous anyway.
“They then overtook Holly but then there was oncoming traffic on the other side of the road and they realised they couldn’t make it, so they pulled back in and hit Holly’s quad.
“Holly’s quad was hit completely off the road. I initially panicked and then I ran over to her. Holly will be scarred 100 percent where she suffered her head and body injury.
“Holly’s helmet saved her life. I wished we had never hired the quad bikes after what had happened. I didn’t feel safe on it anyway.
“I feel like they are just given to anyone as long as you have a licence. “They haven’t got health and safety like we have over here.
“It’s too easy to get one. There needs to be more checks in place before you can hire one.
“They don’t drive on the roads the same as we do in the UK and it’s quite fast there. It’s completely different.”
Alison’s warning read: “Please think twice before hiring a quad bike.”
The mum suggested that if you do decide to go for one, make sure you wear a helmet.
David, who also feels Holly will be left permanently scarred from the incident has also issued a warning to other travellers.
Alison said: “Holly will be scarred 100 percent where she suffered her head and body injury.
“Holly’s helmet saved her life. I wished we had never hired the quad bikes after what had happened. I didn’t feel safe on it anyway.
“I feel like they are just given to anyone as long as you have a licence. They haven’t got health and safety like we have over here. It’s too easy to get one.
“There needs to be more checks in place before you can hire one. They don’t drive on the roads the same as we do in the UK and it’s quite fast there. It’s completely different.”
