A TEENAGE athlete and model whose face was shattered by a thug who hurled a brick through a car window has been inundated with support.

Samantha Fraser, aged 17, who suffered a fractured skull, broken nose and fractured skull, has received messages from Russia, America, Denmark and Turkey, after her 14-year-old attacker walked free from court.

After her story was revealed by our sister title the Widnes World, she has been interviewed live on ITV’s Daybreak and appeared in national newspapers, BBC 5 Live, regional TV, radio and magazines.

Samantha, who formerly competed for St Helens Sutton athletics, said: “It has boosted my confidence.

“You think it’s just you against the world. It’s good to know other people feel the same.

“Complete strangers have said some lovely things. One said I was still beautiful and there are loads of messages of support.”

Sixth-form student, Samantha, underwent a 10-hour operation after the incident last June, and faces further surgery.

Yet, despite her injuries, the former heptathlete is training again with Wigan Harriers and competes on Sunday in high jump, shot put and long jump.

She said: “I’m really excited.

“It feels dead good because I thought I would never be able to do it again.”

She said: “I used to do some modelling for Euro Teens. After I’ve had an operation on my nose, I’ll do another portfolio.

“Thugs think throwing bricks is their idea of fun.

“He could have killed someone. I don’t want him to think he has won.

“I value my life a lot more and am more determined to be successful.”

The 14-year-old boy who admitted assaulting Samantha was given a 12-month referral order and fined £200.

Samantha’s mum, Clare, aged 40, said: “We wanted justice.

“You can’t act like a savage and get away with such a stupid sentence.

“The police worked so hard and had such a strong case yet he pleaded to a lesser charge and CPS handled it really badly.

“Samantha has never ever complained yet she must have been in terrible pain. We are so proud of her.”