Rescuers thanked by an injured cyclist

Steve Fleming (51), of Nuncargate, crashed head-on into a lamp post and knocked himself out after losing concentration while cycling home.

But thankfully passing motorists Nick Yuill (23) and Robert Harrison spotted him lying in some undergrowth in on the A611 in Annesley and responded immediately.

Trainee commercial pilot Nick, of Mansfield, said: “Myself and Rob were on the phone to the ambulance trying to give our position.

“A young lad from the Army gave first aid while we talked to him and made sure he was warm.

“He (the cyclist) was panicking really. He was clutching his chest so we initially thought it was heart attack.

“The guy was sure he had punctured his lung and at one point thought he was not going to make it so that panicked us.”

In fact, Steve had not punctured his lung but had broken two ribs.

Father-of-one Steve, said: “A couple of people came to attend to me. One in particular said he was British Army.

“He put me in the recovery position and looked after me until the paramedic came. I am not the greatest of patients so he was really good.

“This was the first time I have aver had a rib injury and it freaked me out because I could not breathe. I thought I was going to die.”

Steve’s bike was taken from the scene by Steve’s rescuers and returned to him a few days later after staff at King’s Mill Hospital got in touch.

Said Nick: “You always see these things on the news and you expect someone would do the same for you.”

Steve is still appealing for the young soldier, or anyone who knows who he is, to get in touch so he can thank him. If you can help please phone Chad on 01623 450307.