John’s lip was ripped off . . . but the OAP wants to thank cyclist who knocked him over

AN OAP’s first holiday after lockdown turned to disaster after he was knocked over by a cyclist and had to have his lip stitched back on.

John Tait was knocked out cold during a trip to his daughter’s caravan at Riverview Park, Monifieth.

The 83-year-old arrived on July 27 for a week’s holiday, but ending up spending his time away in Ninewells, where he required 40 stitches.

But, rather than being angry, John wishes to thank the cyclist for the care and attention he showed him.

John, who travelled to Angus with his wife Aileen, said: “We had just arrived in Monifieth that day and around 10pm I was walking to my car on the path beside Tayview Caravan Park.

“Out of the blue I was hit from behind by a racing cyclist, knocked to the ground and knocked unconscious.”

Now back home in Riddrie, near Glasgow, the retired prison officer said he has no recollection of what happened, but was told the cyclist stayed with him, called for an ambulance and even accompanied him to Ninewells.

John said: “I was unconscious for 10 minutes during which time the cyclist was very worried. He stayed with me and came to hospital. At that point no one knew who I was but once we got to the hospital they were able to call my wife very briefly from my mobile phone before the battery died.

“I had been out cold and when I came to I was concussed and confused. I could barely remember my name.”

John added: “I was pretty badly injured and my lip was torn off. A specialist was brought in to reattach it.

“I also suffered a broken right humerus. All told I needed to spend six days in Ninewells so that was the rest of my holiday gone”

John now wants to contact the cyclist, who he believes may blame himself for the incident. He added: “It was getting dark and I was wearing all dark clothing. This was partly my own fault.

“I think he was pretty badly shaken and possibly also hurt and I was told his bike was mangled. Nonetheless he stayed with me. I used to be a racing cyclist and I know these bikes are expensive. I’d love to speak to him.

“He told me his name but I was too out of it to remember. I really hope someone can put us in touch.”

John is recovering at home. Inset: With wife Aileen.