A NEWPORT schoolboy is lucky to be alive after complications following an operation to fix his broken leg left him fighting for his life.

Bassaleg Comprehensive School deputy head boy Mathew Verallo spent a week in intensive care on a ventilator after bone marrow fat leaked into his blood stream and travelled to his lungs causing pneumonia and severe breathing problems.

The 17-year-old under went an operation at Newport’s Royal Gwent Hospital after he broke his right leg in two places whilst playing rugby for Newport High School Old Boys in a game against Risca on September 26.

But hours after the operation to insert a metal rod to support his broken bones, he was coughing up blood, had a high temperature and was struggling to breath.

Six days later he was moved to intensive care and doctors told his parents Tanya, 43, and Paul, 47, the next 48 hours would be critical.

Mrs Verallo said: “I was just in shock, in disbelief that he came in with a broken leg and now this."

The next few days were touch and go. Mathew was in an out of consciousness.

But days later he finally showed signs of improvement and was eventually moved to a general ward.

Mrs Verallo said: “The relief was immense."

Mathew became anaemic and lost two stones in weight in 19 days. But he returned to his Draethen home yesterday and is walking with the aid of crutches.

Mrs Verallo said he had a long recovery ahead of him but would be helped by the overwhelming support the family had received.

Friends and family around the world prayed for Mathew in countries including America, India and Australia and more than 700 people joined a Facebook group leaving messages of support.

The family said they could not thank hospital staff enough for the care Mathew received.

Mathew, who has a sister, Olivia, 14, is now looking forward to getting back to school to continue his A Levels in French, history, music and English literature.