A Bristol cyclist who nearly died after being hit by a car is looking forward to a Christmas his family thought he might not see.

Ken Haddow, 48, from Henleaze, spent three months in hospital after the accident in July when he was riding in the Mendip Hills.

He was airlifted to Frenchay Hospital with massive blood loss, serious head and neck injuries, punctured lungs, and breakages to one of his legs, his ribs and breastbone.

His condition was so critical his heart stopped three times on the operating table.

Father of three Mr Haddow, a keen cyclist, swimmer and runner, was determined to return to fitness and is looking forward to enjoying Christmas Day with his family.

"I was on a normal evening bike ride through the Mendips and the next thing I knew I woke up in hospital a week later," he said.

"The medics kept me unconscious at first so that I couldn't possibly break my neck by moving, so it was hardest on my family who knew things weren't looking good.

"When I was told what had happened to me I remember trying to take it all in and then my first reaction being "OK, now tell me how to get better".

"I've always been really fit and it has never been an option that I accept a pace of progress that was about anything other than complete recovery."

Mr Haddow, an international mining executive, contacted the Jonathan Webb Clinic and was treated by specialist physiotherapist Karen Jordan and sports physician Dr Stuart Miller, who was chief medical officer at the Beijing Paralympics.

"Ken is a real inspiration – despite the amount of damage done to his body his attitude is motivated and positive, which is half the battle. It's a pleasure seeing him improve in strength and physical fitness as the weeks progress," said Dr Miller.

"Now, as a result of this treatment, Ken walks on crutches and is gradually returning back to a normal work and leisure life."

Mr Haddow said: "Once I got out of hospital it was obvious I needed performance oriented physiotherapy to get me back to my normal fitness levels and give me an extra push and encouragement.

"I have so many people to thank for where I am now – the Air Ambulance service, the police, the doctors and staff at Frenchay and Jonathan Webb Clinic.

"But it's my family I am really grateful for. This Christmas will be a special time – they are my source of strength and I feel blessed knowing they support me in whatever I choose to do, even if it's aiming to get back out on the bike next year."

The Bristol cyclist has made huge strides in his recovery and recently bought a machine that allows him to stabilise his road bike in his garden and ride it to help him back to fitness.