Michael Schumacher's family insist former F1 star is a 'fighter' who 'will not give up' as they thank fans for support

 
Coma: Michael Schumacher
PA
Staff|Agency3 January 2014

The family of racing driver Michael Schumacher have hailed him as a "fighter" who "will not give up" as doctors continue to monitor his health in hospital.

In a message posted on Schumacher's official website today, his family paid tribute to the Formula One legend.

They also thanked fans for their support after the German, who is due to celebrate his 45th birthday tomorrow, was taken to hospital following a serious skiing accident on Sunday.

They said: "Following Michael's skiing accident, we would like to thank the people from all around the world who have expressed their sympathy and sent their best wishes for his recovery.

"They are giving us great support. We all know he is a fighter and will not give up. Thank you."

He remains in an artificially-induced coma.

Doctors have said the impact of the accident, which happened when Schumacher was skiing off-piste in the resort of Meribel, caused numerous brain injuries.

An initial operation carried out on Sunday to reduce swelling was followed by a second to remove the largest of a number of clots in his brain.

Jacqueline Hubert, the Grenoble hospital's director general, said on Tuesday that his condition had started to improve.

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