A MOUNTAIN biker who had to be airlifted to hospital after crashing at Norwood has publicly thanked everyone who helped him.

Graeme Willis was treated for a neck injury and bruised lungs after coming off his bike while riding in Norwood Edge Trails in mid-August.

The 29-year-old, a craft baker from Harrogate, was carried by his friends to a nearby field where a Yorkshire Air Ambulance and land ambulance could reach him.

He said: “Basically, it was an error on my part, I fell off a raised section and landed after falling seven to ten feet on my head. My friends with me said my chin hit my chest but I didn’t lose conciousness, I had feeling all over and I could move my limbs.

“One friend got straight on his mobile phone and called in an ambulance and the air ambulance, while my other friend went up to the road to show them where I was.

“At the Leeds General Infirmary (LGI) I had X-rays and a CT scan which showed I had bruised the top of my lungs quite heavily and that I had a small stable fracture in my neck.

“The neurology doctors were happy for me to be discharged, but to return for a review, but the consultant sent me to St James’s Hospital to stay overnight so they could look after my bruised lungs. I left Jimmy’s on Saturday, August 22.

“I would like to thank my two friends, Chris Spittal and Jonathan Denning, who handled an unusual situation very well. I was never worried that anything was going to get worse. Also the ambulance team (regular and air) were fantastic, their calm, efficient handling of the situation was admirable. The staff at both LGI and St James’s were also very proffesional, friendly and understanding, so big thank you to them too.

“Lastly, I’d like to thank my family, friends and work colleagues who all showed me a great deal of support during my recovery. And to other cyclists I’d say wear a helmet — it saved my life!”