A New Addington man, who collapsed from his bike while
cycling on the A228 at Five Oak Green, has thanked the ambulance
team and two passer-by hospital staff who came to his aid.

Seasoned cyclist, Alan Farrell, 54, was first helped by
passers-by including off-duty radiographer Sophie Adsett and nurse
Michelle Usherwood from Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells hospitals
before Paramedic James Lisle came across the incident while en
route to another call.

Alan, who currently works for University College London in the
Information Services Division, had intended to join a local 10-mile
race but arrived late and instead undertook a training ride. He
recalls nothing of the incident but investigations concluded he
wasn’t struck by a vehicle.

James, Sophie and Michelle were backed up by ambulance crew
Danielle Wheat and Katie Stringer as the team treated Alan before
he was taken to Tunbridge Wells Hospital.

Now recovering from injuries including a fractured pelvis and a
re-broken collarbone following a previous fall from his bike, Alan
is undergoing further tests in an attempt to establish the cause of
his collapse. He attended Paddock Wood Make Ready Centre recently
with his wife Pauline to thank all those involved.

James said: “Sophie and Michelle, who had arrived at the scene
from opposite directions, were doing a great job in helping keep
Alan as comfortable and as safe as possible. They were of great
help and I’d like to personally thank them for everything they did
to assist along with other members of the public who called 999 for
Alan.

“It was really nice to meet Alan and Pauline and on behalf of
the team I’d like to wish him all the best with his recovery.”

Alan added: “It was great for me and Pauline to meet and thank
everyone in person who helped me on the evening of my accident. To
get a first-hand account of what happened on the evening was also
very helpful for me as I don’t remember many of the details about
the accident or my treatment.

“I also want to thank everyone involved and say how much I
appreciate their professional medical help and kindness in dealing
with my injuries. My case highlights the commitment of the
emergency services both medical and police staff to their
profession and the public while on and off-duty.

“I would also like to thank Dave Twin from my club, Sydenham
Wheelers, who waited around, contacted my wife and took my bike
back to his house for safe keeping. Thanks again and best wishes to
everybody who helped look after me and get me safely to hospital. I
would also like to thank UCL and my colleagues for their support
while I was on leave from work due to my injuries.”