A Swindon pensioner was rescued by passing Good Samaritans after having a nasty crash on his bike.

Alan Philpot of Walcot West was cycling around Coate Water on Good Friday with his grandson when disaster struck as he crashed his bike and injured himself.

“Our grandson Rufus had been with us for the week and he likes to get out and about and he wanted to go for a bike ride,” said Alan.

“It was very busy as it was a bank holiday and there Is a little road that goes between the normal car park and the disabled car park.

“As I got up to there I caught sight of a car coming out and I lost concentration and I hit the bollard on the far side and came off.”

Swindon Advertiser: Alan's injuries were extensive and has affected his daily life ever since the incident.Alan's injuries were extensive and has affected his daily life ever since the incident. (Image: Alan Philpot)

The 74-year-old soon became disorientated but several parkgoers came to the rescue to ensure his crash was not as bad as it could have been without help.

“I don’t remember going down but the next thing I do remember is laying face down on the pavement and my face was cut, dripping blood,” continued Alan.

“I was worried where my grandson was and people were around asking if I was alright and I would like to thank them for that.

“I was then laying on my back and a lady was asking about phoning for an ambulance as another person had my feet in the air to help blood flow.”

It was not long before the professionals arrived and Alan’s condition was stabilised.

Swindon Advertiser: The incident occurred at Coate Water on Good Friday.The incident occurred at Coate Water on Good Friday. (Image: Newsquest)

“The park ranger called Ross asked if I was alright to go the ranger’s lodge and someone else helped me over there and carried my bike over there,” he said.

“I was told that the ambulance was on its way and I was in the recovery position on the lodge and when they arrived, the ambulance people were brilliant and the paramedic called Amanda helped me so much and brought me home in fact.”

The pensioner remains upbeat despite the crash and insists that it will not affect his cycling efforts any time soon.

“My ribs are still very sore which is now hard to get out of the bed in the morning and my right hand and arm is bruised with my wrist being swollen too,” said Alan.

“Short distance cycling we do often with Rufus, he’s nine and full of energy so no, it hasn’t put me off in any way. Its just one of those things.”