Holiday for one Falmouth family was cut short in horrific fashion when the mother suffered life changing injuries following a crash between a lorry and a van.

Support has poured in for Kay Kitto and her family after the collision outside the family home on Friday morning, in which the family car was also hit while Kay's guide dog Jackie and nine year-old son Dexter were inside.

While the dog was thrown from the boot, the pair remained uninjured but Kay, who was stood by the car, suffered open fractures to both legs as well as fractures to her lower spine, and had to be airlifted to Derriford Hospital after initially being taken to the Royal Cornwall Hospital.

Her husband Nigel told the Packet: "We were packing our last things before going have a few days away.

"We were just loading the last bits in the boot for our holiday."

Kay, who is in her 40s, has since undergone a series of operations but remains in care, with Nigel reportedly sleeping by her bedside.

In an online update on Friday night he posted: "Still far from out of the woods if her wounds don't heal then we're in a bit of trouble. Kay doesn't heal well either."

Support poured in on Facebook, with Jo Speer writing: "Wishing Kay a speedy and excellent recovery. I hope you are ok and have some support."

Karen Damerell added: "Oh my goodness, thinking of you all.

"Sending big hugs to a lovely lady, hope you're soon on the mend and surgery goes well."

Family friend Heather Nesbitt has now set up a fundraising page to support the family as they face expenses such as boarding kennels, hotel bills, and travel between Falmouth and Plymouth.

She wrote on Monday: "Dex has not seen his mum since the accident and Nigel has kept a bedside vigil sleeping on a chair next to Kay's bed since Friday.

"There has been an outpouring of support on Facebook and Twitter from all over the world and many people have asked what they can do to help. We have decided the best form of support for the family will be to ease their financial burden in the coming months."

Police and paramedics were called to the collision, on Oakfield Road, just after 8am on Friday, and crash investigators were also called to inspect the scene.

Speaking at the time of the incident, Sergeant Janie Curnow of Falmouth Police said: "There has been three vehicles involved. We are trying to establish the cause and the mechanics of the collision still at this time."

To donate to support the family, go to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/helpthe-Kitto-family