The young woman critically injured in a collision on the Skenfrith road is making a slow recovery.

Sophie Bowles, from Powys, was working her job as a HGV driver and highway maintenance operative was hit by a passing car on the B4521 between The Priory and the border on July 13.

She was crushed into a chipper and dragged five metres by a passing car while working on a machine readying it for the resurfacing of the road between Norton and the border.

Left with devastating injuries including a broken pelvis in nine places, she was air-lifted to Southmead Hospital in Bristol and underwent three major operations, the surgeon revealed that it was the worst pelvis injury that she had ever seen in a surviving patient.

Her dad, Matthew Bowles, is now fundraising to convert their garage into an accessible wet room and living space to help Sophie maintain some independence for a recovery that is expected to last for many years.

The target of £16k is about to be reached with £2626 donated from James Barlow (RMS), £2,000 from Roya Alizadeh and £1,000 donated from Bituchem Group, a company that specialises in Road surfacing, surface treatment and highway preservation products.

Matthew was “comply overwhelmed” by the response to his daughter’s plight.

“Sophie and myself really do appreciate your generosity, and are humbled by the response

“I can only thank everyone that has donated from the bottom of my heart. Sophie has made great progress in the last week but still suffers great pain.”

Sophie has now been moved back to a hospital closer to home and is enjoying having her friends visit “as I’m sure she is fed up seeing her parents” he quipped.

She is now able to move from her bed to a wheel chair, this is allowing her to be able to go outside for the first time since the accident. we are planning to take Rosco her dog down to see her at the week end.”

“Thank you to each and everyone of you for your donations and offers of support..

“The money raised so far has secured a builder who can start the work in September.

A spokesperson for Gwent Police said: “We received a report of a road traffic collision on B4521 towards Abergavenny at around 5.25pm on Monday 13 July.

“Officers attended alongside paramedics from the Welsh Ambulance Service. The collision involved a pedestrian and a car; she remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition. This incident has been reported to the Health and Safety Executive for review.”

No arrests have been made.

A comment left on the Gofundme page urged everyone to share the fundraiser “far and wide”.

“This is such a very deserving cause. I wish Sophie a speedy recovery and send prayers and hugs. Let us know if there is anything we can do. I know we are far away but whatever you need, just ask. Barbara and Sean xxx”