British gay couple beaten unconscious on Greek holiday island in a brutal homophobic assault
Tristan and Vestal have been left 'shaken' by the terrifying ordeal
A GAY couple were savagely beaten by homophobic thugs who targeted them as they left a club on holiday.
Tristan and Vestal, from Lewisham, London, were struck from behind then kicked and punched as they lay unconscious on the ground.
They were on their way home from a popular gay bar on the Greek island of Mykonos.
Tristan, 42, said: "The attack has left us feeling really shaken up and after suffering from headaches, dizziness and general fatigue since returning to the UK after the incident, I have now also been diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome.
“We had to deal with the port authorities and the local police after the incident but all I wanted to really do for the rest of the holiday was lie in a darkened room.
"It was utterly depressing and emotionally very raw."
After having various CT scans and IV antibiotics at the trauma centre, the couple stayed with family in Mykonos for the rest of the week recovering after the attack.
Friends of the pair have to pay for a new smile for Tristan who lost his front teeth.
He says the last thing he remembers before being set upon on the second day of their family holiday was seeing Vestal pinned up against railings.
He woke up feeling battered and cradled Vestal, who was unconscious, until help arrived.
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Tristan said: “Vestal became conscious in the hospital, and couldn't understand what had happened to us.
"It seemed that this was a homophobic assault and we just couldn't grasp how unbelievable that was.
"We did nothing to provoke this. We're so confused and, to be honest, still in shock.”
The pair's pal Daniel Hillman said: “Anybody who can spare even a small donation to help with the costs of helping restore Tristan's truly wonderful smile would be so appreciated.
They stand tall as an example of true love.
Daniel Hillman
“Tristan and Vestal are an amazing couple, they are positive, accepting, loving and will always support their friends and family in times of need.
“Through hard work and some hard times they stand tall as an example of true love."
Greek cops are now investigating the homophobic attack, but it happened in an area which was not covered by CCTV.
Tristan added: “The massive outpouring of love & support has been tremendously healing for us. To see just how many people love and care about us has been staggering.
"I said to my cousin, Diandra, in despair the other day, ‘I don't understand why people say 'love always wins' when hate wins, every time.’ I was wrong. So very wrong... Love wins.”
Our wounds will heal and we have all the love in the world. But they will have to live with that for the rest of their lives.
Tristan
“Curiously, whenever I think about our assailants, the only thought that comes to my mind is not about punishment, or retribution. But that I hope they can get some help.
"Because I know for sure that one day, perhaps not today, tomorrow or even years from now, but I know for sure that one day they will be grief stricken about what they did to us. They will want to find us and they won't be able to.
"Our wounds will heal and we have all the love in the world. But they will have to live with that for the rest of their lives.”
Kelsea Little, spokesperson for said: "We are saddened to hear about this terrible attack on a loving couple.
"We wish Tristan and Vestal a swift recovery and we're pleased to see their community coming together to support them."
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