TERRY Sturrock says he owes his life to the emergency services following an accident which resulted in the death of a horse he was riding.

The 55-year-old, a work rider for racehorse trainer Barry Hills, was leading a string of about 100 horses from one set of jumps to another in Lambourn, in October when he became involved in an accident.

Mr Sturrock, of Godolphin Close, Freshbrook, was knocked unconscious and suffered a collapsed lung, a broken collar bone and three broken ribs when a car struck his horse, Indian File.

Because of the extent of his injuries, and the possibility that he might be suffering from head or back injuries, a Thames Valley Air Ambulance helicopter was called to the scene and ferried Mr Sturrock to John Radcliffe Infirmary in Oxford.

Mr Sturrock, a married father-of-three, said: "I still suffer from flashbacks of the whole incident. I am glad to be alive really, I am so lucky. I think the emergency services were brilliant.

"The air ambulance was a godsend and was able to take me to the Radcliffe Hospital within minutes. The journey cost about £2,000 and I was not even awake to enjoy it."

Mr Sturrock has been given time off work to recover from his injuries, but is not sure if he will ever be fit enough to return to his former job.

He added that his wife Maria, 51, had shown amazing support in her efforts to help him recover from the accident.

He said: "She has been wonderful and I just want her to know how much she has helped me through this.

"When I was hurting she cried and prayed for me, when I had to go to the hospital or doctor, she was there. There has been nothing she would not do."