CHRISTMAS PAST AND PRESENT

Charlotte Metcalfe, 28, from Rossendale, was told she couldn't have children after a horrific crash-but Santa brought her something special...

- KATIE PEARSON AND HANNAH CROCKER

Standing in line, I felt a buzz of anticipation.

Then, as I heard someone on stage call my name, I plastered on a big grin and headed up.

As I was handed my degree, I had a peek into the audience.

Seeing my boyfriend Jak, 27, clapping and cheering with my mum Suzanne, 56, and dad Tony, 58, my heart swelled.

I'd always dreamed of being a teacher-so when I graduated from Cumbria University with a degree in Primary School Education back in November 2018, I was chuffed.

It was the perfect way to round off the year, and I couldn't wait for a Christmas where I didn't have to worry about studying or revising.

After celebrating with course mates, the four of us set off on the 90-minute drive home.

I'd started my first teaching job that September, so as Mum drove the winding country roads home, I caught up on my lesson planning.

With wind whipping round the car and rain lashing at the windows, we were quiet so Mum could concentrate.

And then, as we came to a bend, I saw the bright headlights of a DafTipper Truck out of the window.

Is that coming towards us? I thought.

I quickly realized that the lorry was out of control - and for a moment there was deadly silence, and everything felt like it was in slow motion.

Before Mum had time to react, the 7.5 tonne lorry lost control and crashed head-first into her Vauxhall Astra.

It all happened so quickly.

I lost consciousness, and when I came to, I was in a lot of pain. I struggled to look around me, trying to get my bearings.

Jak was lying in the road-he had managed to get out of the car, but then collapsed.

I couldn't move at all. I could hear Mum screaming.

'I can't get out,' Dad cried.

But I couldn't reply-I tried, but no words came out.

It was terrifying.

Jak eventually came round, but he was in a lot of pain.