'Angel' helped save my life

Firefighters needed hydraulic rescue equipment to free Tanya Jay, 28, of Viney Close, after the Ford Cougar she was driving skidded out of control on the A24 between Buck Barn and Southwater. It span up to three times before smashing down on its roof.

"I feel so lucky to be alive. I didn't really like people '“ but this has restored my faith in human nature," said the diminutive recruitment consultant, who feels her lack of height may have been crucial to her survival as she took her daily drive to work at LSG 4 Driving in Crawley.

"I'm 5ft 1in and when the roof hit the ground, I think the fact that I'm small may have saved my life. When you look at the car, well, a taller person would have died."

"I remember everything '“ looking down at the ground as the car came down from a great height."

Tanya has lavished praise on all those who came to her aid, as she lay on her stomach, unable to move, pinned underneath the wrecked car.

The ex-Worthing woman was concussed and wanted to go to sleep, but said a mystery blonde woman who she calls her 'angel' held her hand and kept her awake through the hour-long ordeal as firefighters fought to free her from the wreckage.

For the full story and more pictures, do not miss the February 14 edition of the West Sussex Gazette.

If you know the identity of the mystery 'angel' please email:

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