A young racing driver who lost both his legs after a horrific crash says his sister is his “one true hero.”
Billy Monger, 17, was left in a critical condition after colliding with a stationary car at 120mph during a Formula 4 event at Donington Park, Leicestershire last Sunday.
After being trapped in his race car for an hour and a half, the teen was rescued and airlifted to hospital where he was placed in an induced coma by doctors.
He had to have both lower legs amputated after the crash.
Steven Hunter, manager of Billy's racing team JHR Developments, told Sky News that Billy woke up from the coma with his parents and sister at his bedside.
He’s now slowly recovering from the horrific ordeal and posted a Facebook message thanking family, fans and well-wishers for their support yesterday.
Billy said a special thank you to his sister, Bonny and described her as the "one true hero of this tragic event", who had given him the "will to keep fighting".
The teenager also gave a "huge thank you" to his fans and well-wishers, whose kind words of support he said had given him and his family "the strength to get through this past week".
He wrote: "The love and generosity of our motorsport family, fans, and everyone that has supported me is awesome and truly inspirational."
The young racing driver also thanked medical staff and crew members: "The marshals, medics, doctors, air ambulance and extraction crews at Donington along with all the staff at Queens Medical Centre - what can I say? Without you guys I wouldn't be here today!
"I will always thank you all for saving my life!"
Despite losing both legs, Billy wants to get back behind the wheel again.
Mr. Hunter said that he is "100 per cent sure" Billy will be able to drive again, saying: "He has always been a remarkable young man and he's proving yet again his strength and his resilience.
"I've never had a driver that puts so much effort and time into ensuring he produces the best he possibly can.
"Billy's already had his hands up pretending to use a steering wheel and seeing if he can use a hand clutch in his own imagination."
A fundraising campaign has been launched to raise funds for Billy's rehabilitation and prosthetic legs. It has already raised over £500K - doubling the target of £260K.
The appeal has attracted support from motorsport stars such as Lewis Hamilton, Jensen Button and Max Verstappen, as well as Hollywood actor Woody Harrelson.
We wish Billy all the best with this recovery.
