I was surfing the internet at the weekend and I saw that a champion cyclist has been awarded a record breaking £14 million in compensation after his career was destroyed when he was hit by a car. 

As a result of the road traffic accident Manny Helmot was the use of his right arm.  He has also been left partially sighted and has sustained brain injuries.  The athlete who had represented Guernsey at the Commonwealth Games only a few months before the accident spent a total of 36 weeks in hospital.

Tragically the injuries to his brain were so severe that he won’t be able to work, drive or ride a bike again.  He suffers from double vision and requires round the clock care.  The accident has also caused him to sustain psychological difficulties.

Manny was just 28 when he was hit by a speeding car as he rode his bike almost 12 years ago.  He had intended to make a living riding for a professional cycling team but could no longer follow his dream as a result of the accident.

Cycling is a lot of fun but as shown here it can also be a very dangerous activity.  Unfortunately there are a lot of people on the road who are not careful.  I was pleased to read that Manny has been awarded so much compensation but unfortunately it won’t change the fact that he can no longer pursue his dream of cycling.