[Closed] Hit and Run on a cyclist in Leek, Staffs

Someone somewhere is feeling very guilty and very worried. rather nasty pic.
http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Pleas-hit-run-motorist-Leek-mum-thrown-bike/story-25778744-detail/story.html

CYCLIST Tracy Taylor says she is lucky to be alive after being knocked off her bike by a hit-and-run driver.

The 36-year-old suffered facial injuries and a broken collarbone after being thrown from her bike and landing head first on an unnamed country lane in the Meerbrook area of the Staffordshire Moorlands.

She was left for dead after being hit by the ‘small, blue car’ travelling in the opposite direction on Christmas Eve.

Now the mother-of-one, who also needed nine stitches to her face, has released pictures of her injuries to try to help the police to catch the driver.

Fitness instructor Tracy, of Leek, said: “My bike helmet saved my life. If it wasn’t for my helmet I would be in a mortuary.”

Tracy, who was cycling with friend Helen Birch-Machin when the crash happened, was taken to Macclesfield Hospital before being discharged later that day.

She said: “I can’t remember a great deal about what happened.

“The car was approaching very fast and the next thing I knew I’d been knocked unconscious and was lying in the road.

“My face was covered in mud and cuts, and my helmet was completely smashed to pieces. I kept coming in and out of consciousness and Helen called my dad because he was closer than any ambulance.

“Christmas was just a blur. I was on morphine and gas and air throughout the whole thing.”

Tracy, of Wettenhall Drive, added: “I can’t believe the driver left the scene – it was cowardly. The doctors think it might be six weeks until I can go back to work and as I’m a self-employed fitness instructor I don’t get any sick pay. I’ve no idea what will happen.”

Friend Jade Swindail is helping her friend recover from the ordeal.
The 28-year-old, of Marston Grove, Baddeley Green, said: “I was so shocked when Tracy sent the pictures of her injuries to me on Christmas Day – they were just horrific.

“It was a horrible way to start Christmas Day, but it’s nothing compared to what it was like for her. She could have been killed and it’s so lucky she was wearing her bike helmet, otherwise she’d definitely be dead.”

The crash has raised concerns over the safety of cyclists on country roads.
Veteran cyclist and former bike shop owner Brian Rourke, aged 75, said: “I’ve only been knocked off my bike once, back in 1965, and most cyclists are very careful on the road.

“From the sounds of it there’s no accounting for something like this happening – if they’re coming from the other side of the road it’s very unusual. There are some inconsiderate drivers around.”

Staffordshire Police are appealing for witnesses following the collision.

A spokesman said: “Relevant CCTV footage has been examined and house-to-house inquiries in the locality have been made. The cyclist is now recovering at home having received hospital treatment.”