A FATHER and son almost killed in a horrific road crash will next week celebrate a birthday they never thought they would see.Six-year-old Loui Scott, who has undergone eight operations since January's accident and was only able to stand for the first time on Monday, is expected to be allowed home from hospital after weeks of treatment just days before his dad Nigel's 43rd birthday.

A FATHER and son almost killed in a horrific road crash will next week celebrate a birthday they never thought they would see.

Six-year-old Loui Scott, who has undergone eight operations since January's accident and was only able to stand for the first time on Monday, is expected to be allowed home from hospital after weeks of treatment just days before his dad Nigel's 43rd birthday.

And the celebration - two months after the pair were involved in the near fatal road crash just outside Newmarket - promises to be a day Nigel and Loui will never forget.

Mr Scott was taking his son home along the B1506 between Kentford and Newmarket when his truck was crushed between two lorries.

They were trapped for more than an hour while emergency services tried to free them from the wreckage.

"It all happened so quickly," said Mr Scott. "One minute we were sitting waiting in the van and the next we were underneath the lorry. It all went quiet and all I could see was Loui's head and hand, which I was holding.

We were both conscious and kept each other going by talking to each other."

Loui was airlifted to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge where he spent five weeks in intensive care, and was treated for a crushed vertebrae, a perforated colon, a broken spine and other serious internal injuries.

Nigel suffered a double fractured pelvis, a fractured right ankle and a dislocated and broken left hip.

Mr Scott, of Red Lodge, near Newmarket, said: "On the Sunday after the accident they wheeled my bed down to Loui's ward so I could see him. It was then that it really hit me how lucky we had been.

"When you have children you don't really worry too much about yourself, and my main concern was for Loui. I have done everything I want to do in life but Loui is only six and has got his whole life ahead of him. I am just so glad he is still here to see it."

Loui's mum, Karen Webster, has kept a bedside vigil at the hospital every day since the accident.

"It has been tremendously difficult for her," said Mr Scott. "Loui and I were physically hurt during the accident but so many others suffered emotionally."

Mr Scott was released from hospital on Monday, although he must remain in a wheelchair until he has completely recovered from his injuries.

"Loui has been so brave. He remembers everything about the accident and has had to have eight or so operations. He stood up for the first time on Monday which was very emotional, and although he has got a long way to go before he has fully recovered, he is well on his way and he can't wait to get out of hospital and get back to normal."

Loui, who had to have special rods inserted into his chest, has kept himself busy in hospital by playing computer games and watching videos. He is due to be released next Friday.

"It has been heartbreaking to watch him suffer and it has emotionally destroyed me and the rest of the family," said Mr Scott.

"Eight weeks ago we were just normal people doing normal everyday things and now our whole lives have been turned upside down.

"The support we have received from people has been overwhelming and Loui and I have received around 130 cards.

"It has been very difficult to come to terms with what happened but I just feel so lucky that we are both alive."

Nigel is now looking forward to spending his birthday with his son and the rest of his family.