Hero rail worker Samir Zitouni, who helped save multiple lives during a mass stabbing aboard an LNER service last Saturday (November 1) has

Samir Zitouni- known as Sam- has been fighting for his life in a critical condition ever since the incident after attempting to shield passengers during the attack.

Sam was rushed to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, his condition has been described as critical but stable but an update shared on the GoFundMe page set up to support him has revealed that he briefly woke up and was able to communicate with his family.

A message on the page, from former colleague Gemma Royce, who set up the GoFundMe, read: “Sam’s family continue to be deeply grateful for all of your kind messages, generosity, and support. “His wife has shared the wonderful news that Sam woke up briefly yesterday, and she was able to speak with him for a short time. This is a truly positive step forward, though there is still a long journey ahead in his recovery. “Thank you all for continuing to keep Sam and his family in your thoughts and prayers. Your kindness means the world to them.”

The crowdfunding efforts have seen over £43,000 raised for Sam in less than a week.

The 48 year-old has been a valued member of the LNER team for over 20-years, working onboard as a Customer Experience Host.

CCTV footage from the train is said to show Sam risking his own life by confronting the attacker on the train as it travelled between Peterborough and Huntingdon.

To donate to the fundraiser for Sam, visit the GoFundMe page, visit www.gofundme.com/f/hero-sam-zitouni-and-his-family.