ON the morning of Jan 19 I was out training on my racing bike but came crashing off it due to ice near Ampney St Peter. It was immediately obvious I had broken something. A lady motorist helped me off the road whereupon three cycling mates came along and phoned 999.

An ambulance car from Swindon arrived first and the paramedic sedated me, then the air ambulance landed in a nearby field and gave me a choice of three hospitals. I plumped for the Great Western in Swindon which was the right decision. A&E assessed me and an x-ray confirmed a broken hip.

Next I was transferred to the marvellous Kingfisher Ward as a trauma patient.

Two days later I was operated on and given a total hip replacement, my rehabilitation started promptly next morning.

I would like to thank everybody involved in my care at this time for their professionalism and kindness. As Swindonians we should be aware of the fabulous hospital which now served the town, I could not have received better treatment anywhere else in the world.

KEITH WILLIAMS South Cerney