By Joe Walker

A mum has relived the terrifying moment her four-year-old daughter was left fighting for her life after a horror car crash.

Karen Turner, 30, says her “heart stopped” when she regained consciousness in Margate hospital and was told Angel was having emergency surgery 80 miles away.

The pair had been seriously injured when Karen’s Ford Mondeo crashed into a Toyota in Shalloak Road, Broad Oak on New Year’s Eve.

Karen’s six-year-old son Vinnie and partner Nick were also hurt in the smash.

The mum-of-four said: “When I woke up in hospital the first thing I thought was 'where are my babies?’.

“Being told Angel was in London having surgery was the worst moment of my life. My heart stopped.

“She was so far away and I was laid up in bed. I wanted more than anything to be with her but I wasn’t allowed to move. It was horrible.”

Angel and Vinnie were both pulled from the car by onlooker Paul Dale, while Karen and Nicky had to be cut free by firefighters.

Angel ruptured her bowel and suffered internal bleeding. She was rushed to the Royal London Hospital, where doctors had to remove 10 inches of her bowel.

Karen, of Sycamore Close, Chartham, suffered broken ribs, a split spleen, split kidney and concussion.

Nick, 24, broke his femur and was also taken to hospital in London for surgery, while Vinnie escaped with a seatbelt burn to his neck.

Karen said: “I don’t remember much about the crash or afterwards. It’s all a bit hazy.

“But I do know we’re very lucky to be alive. It could have been a whole lot worse. It really hits home how fortunate we were when I look at pictures of the car.

“Vinnie still tells the story of how the man smashed the window and pulled them out.

“I’m just glad Paul was there to help. Now we can move on with our lives and put this behind us.”