Cyclist 'truly thankful' after 'horrendous' fall in Pocket Nook

Michael Girvan, from Burtonwood, is an avid cyclist and cycles around 14,000 miles a year, from local routes to European challenges.

Just a day after returning home from a cycling trip in Spain, on Friday, May 13, Michael's wheel slipped underneath him as he turned left into Pocket Nook Street from Park Road.

An air ambulance was called to the scene in Pocket Nook on Friday, May 13

On his way to meet up with friends for a coffee and a cycle, Michael's freak accident sent him flying into the road, smashing his face into the ground and breaking a couple of teeth.

Full of adrenaline, the sixty-eight-year-old tried to get back on his bike but realised he needed help as soon as he noticed the severe injury to his leg.

With no other vehicles involved in the accident, Martin Baker, who was driving behind Michael, immediately got out of his car and waited with him after ringing for an ambulance.

Further witnesses to the fall came to the assistance of Michael, including Kevin Green and retired nurse Marie Lyon - who the cyclist described as an "angel".

Marie waited with the 68-year-old until the emergency services arrived, and pushed them to get to the scene as quickly as possible after being quoted a waiting time of four and a half hours for an ambulance.

Once a paramedic arrived, an air ambulance was called and Micahel was airlifted to Aintree hospital after being briefly treated at the scene.

Michael said he is "truly thankful" to those who helped him in his time of need

Michael, who used to compete for Sutton Athletic Running Club, said: "It was my first day back on my bike after being in Spain, and it was a dry road with fresh new tyres.

"My wheel just completely slipped underneath me as I turned left and I knew I needed help as soon as I saw the state of my leg.

"I was in so much pain and when the adrenaline started to wear off, the pain was horrendous."

Michael later discovered that the injury to his injury was a fractured femur, and he is still in hospital recovering from the incident.

Michael was airlifted to Aintree Hospital to treat his injuries

Appreciative of the support he was shown from people in the community, he added:

"Kevin was so helpful in calling for an ambulance straight away and Marie was like an angel with how she helped me - even offering to take my bike home!

"There were also other people who were very supportive and came to see if they could offer any assistance.

"I am truly thankful for their help. I've never had an accident so severe so I'm starting to think I was just really unlucky on Friday the 13th."