Keen cyclist left with injured ribs and damaged ligaments.

An unlucky encounter with a cat has left a Feniton man with injured ribs and damaged ligaments.

However, it could have been much worse for keen cyclist David Morris, of Farm Way, if he had not been wearing a cycle helmet.

The 61-year-old, who is a member of Sid Valley Cycle Club, hopes this will highlight the importance of wearing a cycle helmet.

It was a usual morning bike ride for David, who was cycling down hill in Raleigh Road, in Ottery St Mary, at 7.15am, when the cat shot out of nowhere in front of him.

“I hate to think how it would have been without a helmet,” he says. “Everyone riding on the road should wear a helmet – they are not heavy. There is no reason not to wear a helmet – they don’t get in the way and they are light.

“They can certainly stop injuries and save your life.”

David suffered ligament damage to his arm leaving him wearing a sling, as well as bruising and damage to his ribs.

He added: “I didn’t know how it happened – I was lying in the middle of the road in agony with my shoulder.

“The bike was in bits.”

David is unsure what happened to the cat, which made a swift exit after the accident.

“I hope the cat is alright. I don’t wish it any ill,” he says.

He also thanked the two Raleigh Road residents who came to his aid.

The incident has also disrupted David’s training for a charity bike road from Land’s End to John O’Groats in aid of CoppaFeel.

He was inspired to take part in the solo ride by his daughter Claire Friend, who was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. The charity aims to educate younger woman, aged between 18 and 30, about the disease.

David is determined to go ahead with his solo cycling challenge and hopes to be joined by his daughter.

To sponsor David visit www.justgiving.com/David-Morris17 or send a cheque payable to CoppaFeel to 9 Farm Way, Feniton EX14 3BX.