Out shopping, a nurse turned hero by throwing her baby out of the path of an oncoming car but suffered life-changing injuries as a result.
Ruby Flanagan, 24, from Merseyside, was shopping with her nan on Monday when the incident occurred.
The nurse at Arrowe Park Hospital was carrying her five-month-old son, Leon, over a zebra crossing towards Aldi when she was involved in a crash that saw her crushed between a silver Mercedes and a blue Volkswagen.
Noticing what was about to happen, Ruby had had the presence of mind to throw her baby out of harm's way, reports the Liverpool Echo.
"It's so sad because she was so excited to go to Aldi and get avocados, broccoli and all the foods to blend together and wean baby Leon," her sister-in-law, Chelsea Clarke, said
"She went there so excited and was involved in such a traumatic and tragic accident."
Immediately after the incident, workers from the nearby shops leapt to Ruby's aid before the emergency services arrived.
One staff member wrapped her legs up and ripped open bedding quilts to make her feel more comfortable while police officers ran to get baby Leon blankets and dummies.
Ruby was airlifted to Aintree Hospital after the crash and had to have her right leg amputated and the another put into a stabilising cage.
Chelsea said Ruby was "traumatised" when she woke up and found one of her legs had been amputated, and there are fears she could still lose her other leg due to multiple fractures.
She explained that Ruby "was worrying about how she would be able to pay the mortgage, bills and look after her baby."
"She was due to go back to work next month after being on maternity and unfortunately the injury will mean she won't be able to return to work.
"Her partner Leon will also be unable to work as he will need to care for their little boy while she stays in hospital and even when she’s home recovering.
"It's going to be a long rehabilitation process with more surgeries, physio and prosthetics."
Chelsea and her sister Carly, 27, decided to set up a GoFundMe page for the family as the specialist medical care Ruby will need could incur high private medical bills, multiple therapies and prosthetics.
She said "Ruby’s home also needs adjustments made to ensure she has the best possible recovery and the smoothest transition back home when she can eventually return.
"I know money doesn't solve everything, but in this situation it really will as it will give the family the best possible chance.
"Ruby adores her partner and baby and is the kindest person you would ever meet, she would do anything for anyone.
"We're heartbroken after the crash and just want to put her at ease."
Since the GoFundMe page went live, more than 1,700 people have donated more than £40,00 to the family-of-three.
The 24-year-old from Wallasey worked 'really hard' to train as a nurse and her family spoke of how she would 'do anything for anyone'.
Chelsea added: "The way she threw baby Leon out the way of danger was amazing and heroic.
"It just shows the type of person she is, always putting other people before herself."
To donate to the GoFundMe page, click here.
For more stories from where you live, visit InYourArea.
