Stephanie Baker (18) was put into a coma with a ripped liver and doctors feared she would die following an horrendous accident on the A1 on February 24.

A Peugeot driven by her father Tony was pushed into a barrier between Grantham and Colsterworth by a van driver but no drivers stopped to help the stricken family.

Mr Baker (55) suffered eight fractured ribs in the accident but climbed out of the car and wove between lorries and trucks to fetch help for Stephanie and her mum Margaret, who was also trapped.

Stephanie believes her dad's actions saved her life and she has shown her thanks in a special tribute to her father, who she describes as the "Greatest Dad in The World", on page 36.

Spalding High School student Stephanie said: "I just wanted to put in a special Father's Day message.

"We had just come back from a university open day at Hull when the accident happened.

"I was bleeding internally and my liver was split open. They airlifted me to Lincoln where I had surgery, before I was taken to Nottingham Queen's (Medical Centre).

"I was in a coma for a week and it was very touch and go, to the point that my mum was told that I was going to die."

Only child Stephanie has since made a steady recovery, although she has been told it will take three years to get back to full health and will have to postpone going to university for a year.

Mr Baker refused to be immediately admitted to hospital following the crash so he could stay with Stephanie.

Semi-retired forklift driver Mr Baker said: "I was very surprised when I found out that she had sent in the message.

"I just did what anyone would have done for their children. I was never going to leave her to die, was I?

"The High School has been very good, even allowing her friends time off to visit her in Nottingham."