Shropshire boy, 10, aims to inspire race ace Michael Schumacher to recovery

Ellesmere College pupil Brook Hill, 10, who lives near Whitchurch, has written a letter to Schumacher and his family to show his support as the German fights for his life following a skiing crash in Meribel in the French Alps.

Schumacher remains in a stable condition in a medically-induced coma, but fears have been raised he may suffer permanent brain damage.

When Brook was fighting for his life in a French hospital following a horrific skiing accident, sports stars sent the rugby fanatic messages of support.

Now the 10-year-old, who continues to make a remarkable recovery, has decided to send his own goodwill message to Schumacher.

Brook hopes his letter will inspire the former F1 world champion to make a similar recovery to his own.

Following Brook's accident, a website set up to allow people to leaves messages of support was logged on to by thousands of people.

The sports-mad youngster received messages of support from the England, Wales and Scotland rugby teams, as well as retired former England international footballer Michael Owen.

The Welsh rugby team posed with a banner urging the former under 10s rugby captain to "get well soon".

Louis Hill, Brook's father, said: "Naturally it is something that we have all followed closely as the story was very similar to ours.

"We wanted to offer our support to his family and to show that there can be a positive outcome to a pretty horrible situation.

"He's a fighter like Brook and we hope he recovers as well, although there is no doubt it is a long and challenging process.

"The letter was sent to his hospital in Grenoble just to say how he had experienced a similar accident in February last year and that he was thinking of him and his family, and wish them the best for Michael's recovery.

"Also Brook wanted to share with him that he had recovered well and that, however scary or uncertain the future may seem, good recoveries can be made so stay positive and strong.

"As many people plan to go skiing this year we would encourage everyone to wear helmets as, quite simply, they could save your life."

Brook was on last year's trip with his father, mother Rachael and brother Barney, who live in Wrenbury. He amazed doctors with the speed of his recovery.

The other skier suffered broken ribs and a punctured lung.

Following Brook's accident, his family launched the Brook Hill Foundation which has already raised nearly £40,000.

The charity provides funds for the rehabilitation of children who have been injured in accidents and to offer support to their families.

The foundation has spent money on a new bike to help a child from Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool to strengthen his legs

It has also spent money on providing support to children who have missed school due to long periods spent in hospital, as well as physio and physical rehabilitation programmes to help them get back on their feet.

Most recently, the Brook Hill Foundation has paid £1,500 for a new website for Oscar's Angels – a charity that helped Brook and his family while they were in France waiting for the youngster to recover sufficiently for him to be airlifted back to the UK.

Oscar's Angels cares and supports families with hospitalised children with brain and severe neurological problems by offering social, financial and emotional support to the families going through such life-changing experiences.

Louise Holt, from the Brook Hill Foundation, said: "This has been a year of highs and lows.

"Firstly, such a low following Brook's accident, but the response we have received from friends, family as well as businesses and those touched by his story has been fantastic.

"It is also great to now be able to help other children and their families who find themselves in similar traumatic situations."

* For more information visit the Brook Hill Foundation Facebook page.