An emotional note written by Michael Schumacher's wife describing her husband as a "fighter" has emerged nearly five years on from his tragic skiing accident in the French Alps.
Corinna Schumacher, 49, said the Formula 1 will legend "will not give up" in the private letter sent to German musician Sascha Herchenbach.
The seven-time Formula One World Champion, 49, suffered a severe head injury after crashing on a slope while a holiday in December 2013.
Mr Herchenbach, 38, revealed details of the letter in an interview with German magazine Bunte last week.
It was written in reply to the Hamburg singer and composer after he sent the family a recording of a new song Born To Fight in the months following the accident.
Corinna wrote: "I would like to sincerely thank you for your message and nice gift that will help us through this difficult time.
“It is good to receive so many kind wishes and other well-intentioned words - which is a great support for our family.
"We all know Michael is a fighter and will not give up."
The musician told the magazine: "I had not expected to get an answer and was overwhelmed.
"The letter was handwritten and signed by Corinna on her stationery.
"She wrote that she was very thankful for the gift and helped her and her family over this difficult time."
The F1 champion was airlifted to Grenoble Hospital and underwent two operations after the skiing accident in the resort of Meribel.
News of his condition and recovery has been kept out of the public eye since the incident.
After spending several months in hospital, Schumacher returned to his home in Switzerland in September 2014 and has since been receiving intensive treatment at home.
Details of Corinna's letter have emerged just days after Schumacher's manager issued a statement on the driver's racing career.
Sabine Kehm praised a new poster paying tribute to the F1 driver's illustrious career in support of the Keep Fighting Foundation.
The Keep Fighting Foundation develops projects in support of neuroscience and neurological research and innovation in the field of head protection.
Schumacher is the only driver to have won seven F1 World Championships, five of which he won consecutively.
