SEA WORLD HELICOPTER TRAGEDY SAVED BY HIS MUM

It's thought Nicholas survived thanks to Vanessa's quick thinking

- Lizzie Wilson

When the news through came that 10-year-old Nicholas Tadros was on the mend after fears he would not survive his shocking injuries from the Sea World helicopter crash that tragically took the life of his 36-year-old mum Vanessa, it was hailed a miracle.

According to a close family friend, Nicholas, who was taken off life support two weeks ago, is already chatting with dad Simon from his hospital bed at Queensland's Children's Hospital, indicating he hasn't sustained any serious brain injuries from the accident on January 2. "Our little champ is fighting the good fight, and keeps improving," family priest Father Suresh Kumar announced last week. "Simon is able to talk to him and Nicholas responds very clearly."

But despite the good news, there are real fears he could still lose a leg.

"Doctors have been trying to save his right leg, which is shattered very badly," Father Kumar explained. "We have to keep praying that his leg is not amputated."

The lovable youngster and his much-devoted mum, described by Simon as God's "most beautiful rose", were enjoying a dream joy flight when the helicopter they were in collided with another Sea World chopper, killing Vanessa instantly. It's now thought her quick instincts likely saved her boy.