A ST Peter’s School student is thankful he was wearing a cycle helmet when a car driver turned left in front of him causing him to crash, fracturing his wrist and chipping an elbow.

James Verdon from Everest Road, Somerford, Christchurch, was cycling to his holiday job at Clark’s at Castlepoint when what he believes was a black Renault Clio turned left into the Shell service station in Barrack Road.

James braked hard and avoided colliding with the car but fell from his hybrid bicycle causing the broken bones and grazing.

He was left shuffling along the road to stay out of danger.

That was at 11.45am on Monday, August 9.

Ever since his visit to hospital he has been incapacitated.

“I have to wear this cast on my hand for another five weeks.

“It’s been a week and a half, so it’ll be six weeks.

“I’ve got to be incredibly careful with it because I’ve got a chipped elbow.

“It’s still painful if I use my hand in any way,” he said.

“My helmet probably saved my life because I’ve got this graze on my right eyebrow.”

He could not tell if the driver was male or female, but whoever it was got out of the car, topped up the tank, paid and drove off.

“They were either blind or didn’t see me, and if they did see me they were a very uncaring and impatient driver, and if they did see me fall off they were very heartless,” said James.

His mother Zoraida had to feed him for the first few days until he regained some mobility.

James said: “I’m just frustrated.

“I can’t work, I can’t do anything, and it’s the summer holidays.”

Anyone with information should call PC Mark Palmer on 01202 222222 or the Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.