A HERO father lost both his legs after throwing himself into the path of a snow plow to save his children.

Quick-thinking Dave Milne saw a car heading straight for his three-year-old daughters Isla and one-year-old Anna as they drove to lessons in California ski resort.

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Without thinking, he rushed in front of the girls and was dragged by a car.

Dave is an Australian Defense Forces veteran – lost his left leg above the knee and his right above the ankle.

Anna survived unharmed, and although Isla broke both of her legs, she is expected to make a full recovery.

The family – Dave, wife Claire and their daughters – used to live in San Diego, California, USA, but are now back home in Australia.

Isla was rushed to the hospital after the horrific accident at Mammoth Mountain Resort last month.

But Dave was more seriously injured and remained stuck in the car until rescuers were able to free him and rush him to the hospital.

It is known that he was conscious all the time.

In addition to losing both legs, he broke both femurs, a pelvis, several lower vertebrae, a sacrum, and finally three ribs.

According to A GoFundMe page created to help his father, he has undergone “ten different surgeries in three weeks and has many more to come.”

The page added: “Many will be pleased to know that Dave still retains his dark sense of humor and razor-sharp wit.

“Dave has been transferred to Sydney but is still in hospital.

“Claire, Isla and Anna are now back in Sydney where Isla sees the doctor several times a week. Together, they will begin a long process of rehabilitation both physically and mentally.

“This life-changing case means the Milneaus’ ‘California Dream’ has come to an end.

“Claire and Dave have shown incredible strength and resilience during this time.”

So far, volunteers have donated more than £60,000 towards Dave’s recovery costs.

The page added: “The Milne family is facing a lot of financial costs (some still unknown) to rebuild in Sydney and for everything Dave and the family need right now.

“These can include things like vehicle modifications for Dave, household equipment and modifications and other details that Dave will need to accommodate his disability.”