A family devastated by an horrific road crash which left a mother-of-two fighting for her life are still keeping a bedside vigil.

Natalli Fisher was critically injured in a road accident which killed her best friend near Workington on Saturday.

Five days on and Natalli, 35, has undergone two major operations on at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle. Her pelvis and arm were badly damaged in the crash and she also has serious head injuries and punctured lung.

Now her family - parents Kathleen and Alan Fisher, sister Caroline Forber and brother Matthew Fisher - are playing a waiting game as they sit by her hospital bed.

Speaking exclusively to the News & Star Caroline, 33, said they were taking each day as came and were overwhelmed by the support and love shown by the community of Seaton.

Both Natalli and Audrey Tunstall, the woman who died, lived just doors apart in the village where Caroline and her parents also live.

Natalli's sister Caroline, 33, said: "The whole village has been so supportive. We are a little close-knit community here in Seaton and this has rocked everyone.

"Natalli and Audrey were the closest of friends and were real characters in the village. The messages we have received have kept us going."

She also told how the village was pulling together to make sure Natalli's daughter Gabrielle celebrates her seventh birthday in style on Monday.

"We are having a little surprise party for her with balloons and everything," she said.

A fundraising page set up on Justgiving raised its £2,500 in just two days. The money will be used to help Natalli and her family.

Natalli, who also has a 14-year-old son, Billy, was crossing the A596 near Dunmail Park shopping centre on Saturday with 79-year-old Mrs Tunstall when they were struck by a car.

Mrs Tunstall, who leaves a son and two sisters, was taken to the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle where she died.

Caroline said the family were devastated by the accident and were keeping their fingers crossed.

"We are such a close family and live in each pockets much of the time," she said.

"Mam has been by Natalli's side since she was taken into hospital. She takes comfort in not leaving her. The nurses have been amazing and it is down to the work that they have done that she is still here. We can't thank them enough."