"I DON'T believe in guardian angels, but someone was in the right place at the right time. That individual is probably the reason why Jack has been given the fighting chance of living."

These are the heart-wrenching words of a father who has not left his son's bedside since the 17-year-old was rushed to Darent Valley Hospital late last Wednesday evening, fighting for his life.

Having witnessed the extent of his son's horrific injuries he revealed Jack could have died had it not been for the quick actions of another motorist who rushed to his aid after the Fiat Punto flipped and landed in woodland on the A227.

The 47-year-old father said: "My son lived because of the emergency services and the person who phoned them. If he had not been around, Jack would have bled to death.

"Emergency crews have gone a long way to saving Jack's life. I can't thank them enough."

The youngster, who turns 18 next month, was in the car with three friends when the accident happened.

Two of the teenagers freed themselves from the wreckage before the emergency services arrived, but Jack and the 17-year-old driver were trapped.

The road was closed at Nurstead Church Lane until 4.30am.

Both teenagers were taken to Darent Valley Hospital where Jack remains in the intensive care unit. The driver was discharged the next day.

Jack's dad revealed how his son was making slow but promising progress.

He said: "They have kept him heavily sedated. Within 48 hours he was breathing on his own. There has been little communication, but we have had some positive responses. He recognised his sister Carly and told us that he loves us. He is a strong lad, but there is still a lot of fighting to do."

Jack will undergo surgery to repair his broken bones.

In the meantime, his parents would like to see further action on the A227.

The couple, from Lee, South East London, said: "It has been very distressing and very difficult to cope with. We have a lot of support from people around us which has helped.

"When I heard it was an unlit road with a national speed limit in places I thought 'Oh my god'. If there have been fatalities along that road something needs to be done."

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