A father and racing driver has spoken of his lucky escape after a horror crash on a race circuit left him in hospital.

Sam Tatler, of Cherry Close in Milton, Sittingbourne, had to have two metal rods and six pins inserted into his body to correct his spine after aquaplaning in the British Racing and Sports Car Club Mazda MX-5 SuperCup.

The 31-year-old, who has a son Samuel-James, eight, was taken to Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham after the smash in his Mazda MX-5 III at Donington Park Circuit on October 14.

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He is continuing to recuperate at home with help from wife Lucy after contracting an infection following surgery and is on a daily dose of about 20 tablets.

Weather conditions were so bad it was hard for drivers behind to see his vehicle as it span out of control, leaving him in hospital for about five weeks.

Mr Tatler, who works as the manager at MAS car and commercial on the Eurolink Industrial Estate in Sittingbourne, said: “The visibility was zero. I was conscious all the way through.

“I noticed there was a pool of water across the track and the car aquaplaned which sent me spinning across the grass and back on the track facing the drivers.

“There were 36 cars on the grid and I was running in fifth position.”

Sam Tatler crashes at Donington Park. Footage: James Kell Racing

Other drivers on the track hit him at speeds of up to 80mph, creating two fractures in his vertebrae.

“I’m very lucky, the first thing I remember was physically screaming in pain,” he added.

“I was wriggling my toes and feet when the car came to a stop because I was worried I was going to lose them.

“There’s always a worse outcome. I could’ve lost my legs or the use of my legs.

“The cars are made to such a high standard.”

Mr Tatler, who has been race driving since he was 10-years-old, only returned home two weeks ago but says he will not be able to work for at least another six weeks.

A crowdfunding page was set up by friend Claire Livesley to help cover the family’s expenses while he gets ready to start physiotherapy and has raised £3,870.

He added: “I find it very hard to accept gifts, charity, anything like that. I’m quite a proud provider.

“I don’t know where to start. I’m overwhelmed by it, humbled by it and really appreciate their generosity at a time like this.”

To find out more or donate visit www.tinyurl.com/SamTatler