Son saves father's life after serious cycling accident

A cyclist who hit a lamppost at 20mph and suffered a multitude of the “worst bike injuries” is, he says, only alive because of his son’s actions.

John Allman, of Shiremoor, North Tyneside, was cycling in nearby Blyth with his 15-year-old son Jonathan in August when his attention was diverted away from the road because of a car passing close by.

As John, 42, turned to look back at the road after looking at the driver he hit a lamppost at high speed before landing in the middle of the road.

Jonathan has learning difficulties and despite being “somebody that would generally panic” he called 999 immediately which enabled John to go to hospital straight away.

“Jonathan saved my live. If he had not helped me I would have not been here today,” John said.

“That day will always be with me, and as a parent it’s been choking me to do something about his bravery. I can’t ever repay Jonathan for what he has done for me.”

Still recovering from his accident at his home, an unconscious John was placed in intensive care at the Newcastle RVI for several days and was treated for 12 broken ribs, 16 fractured ribs, a collapsed lung and a punctured lung.

“The nurse said to my wife it was the worst bike injuries she had ever seen,” John revealed.