A DEVASTATED Gwent couple have flown to New Zealand to be at the bedside of their critically injured son.

Norman and Jackie Willbourne flew out after learning their only child, 20-year-old Noel, was fighting for his life - in a coma with serious head and spinal injuries - following a motorcycle crash.

The horrified couple, from Risca, were told of the accident on Thursday morning - and left that night not knowing if their son would still be alive when they arrived. They were due to land in New Zealand late last night.

Now the couple's best friends have launched a frantic attempt to raise cash so Mr and Mrs Willbourne can stay in New Zealand for as long as necessary.

Christopher Jones and fiancee Catherine Williamson, who met Mr and Mrs Willbourne at a line dancing club, say the couple have no idea how long they may have to stay in New Zealand with their son.

Noel has been in New Zealand for the last nine months and was due to return home in around three months' time.

The former Ty Sign Comprehensive School pupil was travelling in Auckland when the accident happened.

"Apparently he was on a motorbike driving along the brow of a hill and someone, from Austria, was on the wrong side of the road," said Miss Williamson. "There were paramedics not far away, which is how he survived.

"He is now in an induced coma in hospital and has a broken spine and serious head injuries among other things.

"He is critically ill and we don't know what is going to happen. They just dropped everything and flew out. Noel is their only child and they are distraught."

She added that, if Noel survives, he is likely to remain in hospital for a long time - but his parents are said to only have enough money to last around a week.

Lorry driver Mr Willbourne is due to act as best man at Mr Jones and Miss Williamson's wedding next May.

Now their friends are arranging a fundraising marathon line-dance in Newport next week. It is hoped many of those who take part in line dancing sessions at Newport Leisure Centre on Thursday evenings will join the event.

"We are trying to contact lots of people at the moment," Ms Williams said.