PARALYMPIC champion Andy Lewis says wearing a helmet ’saved his life’ in a 28mph bike crash this week.

Paratriathlete Lewis, from Whitecroft, hit a dog at 45kph while training between St Briavels and Alvington on Monday and sustained a fractured collarbone.

He also needed 13 stitches in his hip and eight in his elbow, as well as sustaining cuts, grazes and a concussion.

The dog is alive and well, but despite being expected to have a three-week lay-off from training, Lewis has warned his competition he still hopes to be crowned world champion in September.

“I never expected to have to go through this all again but must say that I’m now mentally stronger to deal with it,” he wrote in a Facebook post.

“Massive thanks to everyone that came to my rescue yesterday after my bike crash.

“I don’t know how I don’t have any more broken bones after hitting a dog at 45kmh which wondered across the road at a farm.

“I’m off to home team Physio & Doctor tomorrow for more scans but expected to resume training in a about three weeks.

“It’s time like this you learn what’s important to you and I think as well as those that picked me off the road my helmet saved my life without a doubt.

“[I’m] Gutted they cut all my clothes off me however thankful that someone was there with me and able to scoop me up.

“I’m not looking for sympathy as I will bounce back from this, however please ensure that if you’re riding your bike, you wear the right equipment and those you love wear the right equipment as without it, it could have been a lot worse for me.

“Dearest competition, I’m still aiming to be world champion this year so watch this space.”