IT was a routine drive to work that changed, and nearly cost, the life of mother-of-two Mrs Barbara De Wint.

Barbara (52) left her home on a cold November morning last year to travel to Colne where she worked as an office manager.

Taking the usual route via Owd Betts above Edenfield, Barbara didn't have a care in the world. She was on time, taking things easy during the journey and thinking about the day ahead.

But as she approached a bend in the moorland road, things were about to change.

Barbara said: "As I drove around the bend a car was coming the other way and we collided. There was a loud bang and my car was going out of control.

"That's all I remember until waking up weeks later in hospital.

" I then learned that I nearly died from my injuries and about the effort put into saving me by the rescuers at the scene and by the staff at the hospital." Bury-based paramedics Steve Shimmin and Nick Sutcliffe were the first medical team to reach the crash on Rochdale Road.

Steve recalled: "It was total carnage. Both cars involved in the crash were destroyed and the fire brigade was working on cutting the drivers free."

With time fast running out, Steve and Nick worked with Barbara who was conscious but "in a different world".

Both her legs were shattered and metal had impaled her left knee. Blood was pouring from a serious head wound and her chest had been crushed.

"Her injuries were so severe it was amazing she was still alive," said Steve. "But we weren't going to let her die without a fight."

Barbara, who lives in Rochdale with her husband, was eventually freed from the wreckage and the air ambulance took her to Preston Royal Infirmary for emergency treatment.

She remained unconscious for several weeks but then began a remarkable fightback.

And to prove she is back on the road to recovery Barbara, who still uses crutches to walk, travelled to Bury's Ambulance Station to personally thank Steve and Nick.

She said: "I owe them my life. They did such a marvellous job.

"Without them I would not be here but there is still a long way to go before I am fully fit."

About the rescue, Nick said: "It was a great team effort.

"Everyone played their part in saving Barbara who has made a marvellous recovery. She looks absolutely fabulous.

"The last time we saw her she was very ill in hospital."