Billy Monger: Teenage racing driver who lost legs in crash thanks 'hero' sister

A teenage racing driver who lost both his legs after a horrific crash has said it is his sister who is the "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.

He was trapped for more than 90 minutes after the crash on 16 April, before being flown to Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham, where doctors put him in an induced coma.

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In a message posted on his Facebook page on Tuesday he said the "one true hero of this tragic event" was his sister, Bonny, who he said 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 went on: "The love and generosity of our motorsport family, fans, and everyone that has supported me is awesome and truly inspirational."

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Billy also thanked medical staff for saving his life.

"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!"

The teenager's post has already been liked more than 6,000 times and shared nearly 2,000 times.

The driver, who has now had both his lower limbs amputated, is already trying to work out how he can get back behind the wheel.

His manager said that despite his devastating injuries, he was "100% sure" Billy would be able to overcome his ordeal.

More than £750,000 has been raised to pay for Billy's rehabilitation and prosthetics, with racing stars Lewis Hamilton, Jensen Button and Max Verstappen, as well as Hollywood actor Woody Harrelson, all donating money to his fundraising appeal.