A relieved mum was last night reunited with her son, who was left with life-threatening injuries when his throat was slashed in a holiday isle attack.

Rugby player Isaac Brown, 19, of Eccleshill, Bradford, underwent four hours of surgery in a Cypriot hospital to a deep gash from behind his ear to underneath his jaw following the unprovoked attack.

The teenager has made a remarkable recovery, thanks to the surgeons’ skills, and was fit enough to fly back to Leeds-Bradford Airport last night.

He was met by his mother, Wendy Smith, 43, who has been battling to raise more than £6,000 because her son’s insurance did not cover the costs of the private health care.

Family, friends and strangers have all contributed and there is now less than £900 to be found.

Mrs Smith said: “It’s such a relief to have him home. It was such a big weight off my shoulders to see him again. I have been praying for him and it was wonderful just to be able to give him a big hug and a kiss.”

Isaac, an academy player with Super League club Huddersfield Giants, was attacked within hours of arriving at the coastal resort of Ayia Napa for a holiday with friends.

He collapsed on the ground in a pool of blood and was rushed to hospital by a passing private ambulance. He needed a blood transfusion and was on oxygen for two days.

Mrs Smith said: “Isaac was so badly injured his friends didn’t think he was going to make it at first. But the surgeons have done a fantastic job.

“He was released from hospital last Saturday, though he had to go back each day for check-ups. He is chilled and relaxed, and has even been able to sit round the pool and on the beach, but he had to keep his wound covered up.”

She said she wanted to thank the people of Bradford for their kindness in making donations towards the cost of Isaac’s treatment.

She said: “We really appreciate what the community has done. Even people we don’t know have contributed.”

Customers of the Revolutions night club donated about £270 on separate nights and another fundraiser is to take place at the Tokyo’s club tomorrow night.

Event organiser Ben Kearns said: “We have ten DJs playing for free, and the club has allowed us to use the venue for free.

“We are charging a minimum of £5 on the door and every penny will go to Isaac’s family.

“He’s a popular lad and we wanted to do what we could to help.”