Little Jasmin Holman rushes to her father's side every time he dozes off - terrified he will never wake up.

Builder Stephen Holman, 39, was left for dead by the roadside after bravely trying to stop a thug who sped off in his van.

The devoted dad was unconscious in hospital for 24 hours with horrific bruising and a fractured skull.

Three weeks on, he has not been able to return to work and doctors have yet to determine whether he will ever fully recover.

His wife, Diane, 34, has launched an appeal to catch the man who has shattered her family.

She said: "I was totally devastated when I was told what had happened. We didn't know whether he would live or die.

"I got to the hospital and he was unconscious. We later found out the injury was less than an inch from his brain stem. He came so close to being killed.

"Jasmin's only five and is petrified about leaving his side. When he goes to sleep she runs across the room to wake him. She is scared he is going to die."

Mr Holman, who returned home to Billingshurst after seven days in hospital, remembers nothing of the incident.

Police have praised his bravery for trying to tackle the thief who drove away in the Ford Transit he left for a few moments while popping into One Stop in Broadbridge Heath, near Horsham, at 8am on May 19.

Witnesses described how he clung to the side of the van as the thief veered across the road at 30 mph, crashing into parked cars.

Mr Holman was eventually catapulted on to the pavement.

Mrs Holman said: "I can't understand how someone could be so malicious and brutal.

"Stephen is an ordinary man who was going to work to provide for his family. He is a devoted father. He loves his daughter to bits.

"We have been through absolute hell - it's ripped apart our family.

"My husband is trying to come to terms with what has happened. He is constantly tired and has been left with neurological problems.

"The man must have seen Stephen catapulted through the air but he didn't care whether he lived or died. He drove off and left my husband half dead.

"This man must be caught. Somebody must know who he is. He must have confided in a friend or family member.

"I don't want anyone else to suffer like we have. Anyone who knows anything should show some compassion and contact the police."

Anyone with information should contact Detective Sergeant Kevin Fitzgerald of Horsham police on 0845 6070999.