A MUM-of-two who was almost killed when she was mowed down by a drunk driver has written a book about her recovery to help others deal with the trauma.

In the early hours of August 6, 2003, Denise Harris was walking home with her husband Ste and friend Sharon from a restaurant on Orford Lane when she was struck at speed by an Alfa Romeo driven by a 24-year-old man, leaving her almost dead.

The 45-year-old administrator was thrown into the air and landed on his bonnet. She was knocked unconscious and fell into a coma which she would not awake from for six weeks.

Denise’s family were told she would not survive the night, giving her chances at 100-1, but she fought and spent the next eight months in hospital learning to walk, talk and eat again.

Denise, of Dalton Bank, Fairfield, said: “We were walking at about 12.10am. We had just stepped on to Batterbsy Lane when I was hit by the car.

“He was only slightly over the limit but he found a legal loophole and didn’t end up having to give a blood or urine test.”

Denise sustained fractures to her skull, fibia, tibia and cheekbone, a punctured lung and her right arm was degloved – pulling the skin down to her wrist.

The driver was given a £300 fine, a 12-month driving ban and ordered to re-take his test.

Denise added: “I never imagined that just being alive was something I should be thankful for.

“I’ve experienced many different situations in my life but even now I’m still sure that this has been the most difficult.

“Not just for me but for my wonderful husband, my kids Ashley and Jake, my parents and my brothers.

“I think it was sheer determination that brought me through.

“Also, having people who care enough about you makes it more important to survive.”

Denise’s book It Was Not My Time took 18 months to write and is the only novel of its kind written by an author with a head injury in the UK.

She added: “I started writing it as a diary so I could remember everything that happened but I hope it will inspire others who have to deal with such injuries or the families who need to be there when such a dramatic, life-changing event happens.

“To other drivers thinking of drink driving I would say consider the consequences because it is not just your life at risk.”