British dad-of-four stabbed while on stag do in Portugal put in induced coma

A British father-of-four who was stabbed in Portugal while on a stag do has been put into an induced coma.

Joel Collins, from Troedyrhiw, Wales, was on his way home after getting separated from friends in the Algarve resort of Albufeira when he was stabbed four times.

Wales Online reported that the 35-year-old's family said he was found unconscious in the street by a passer-by on 4 July after being stabbed.

He is now in an induced coma in intensive care, and will have his sixth operation on Monday, having suffered injuries to his left lung, pancreas, bowel and thorax.

Mr Collins's mum Sue Bridge said she has been by his side ever since the attack.

His partner, Gabriella Sidoli, has also been to see him but also has to parent their three sons, aged six, three and one.

Mr Collins also has a daughter, eight, from a previous relationship.

She told the BBC: "It is the most horrendous experience of my life but what his sister, his partner and I are going through is nothing compared to what Joel is so that makes me stronger."

Of his injuries, she added: "He has been awake, he is a fighter but they had to put him in a coma for this operation. He understood what was going on."

A fundraiser launched on GoFundMe to help the family has already raised more than £8,000.

The page says: "Joel was recently on a stag trip with his friends in Albufuria [sic] when he was walking back to his hotel alone and was horrifically attacked and stabbed 4 times.

"Joel is battling bravely to recover in hospital in Portugal whilst his family are at his side supporting him.

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"We are looking to raise awareness for those travelling this summer to safe, as well as looking to raise funds for the family during this horrific ordeal.

"Please send your messages of support and donate what you can for joel and his amazing family."

The fundraiser was also shared by Alex Evans, also from Wales, who said he too had been stabbed and left for dead in the same area earlier this year.

He wrote on Facebook: "On the 15th May this year I was stabbed 3 times and left for dead whilst on a stag do in Albuferia [sic] Portugal.

"As I've slowly been recovering I was made aware of it happening again to Joel Collins. This is upsetting to hear as his story is very much similar and my thoughts are with his family and I'm hoping he has a speedy recovery.

"After speaking to his family I want to put this out there to make people aware of the knife crime that is happening out in Albufeira as its not being made public and to urge people to stick together.

"I didn't think I would be writing a post like this so soon after it happening to me, about someone who lives so close. Please if everyone could share this, as I would hate for it to have to happen to another family."

The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office said: "We are supporting the family of a British man following an incident in Portugal, and are in contact with the local authorities."