“I WOULD be dead or seriously injured and in a vegetative state if it wasn’t for my helmet.” 

These are the words of an Andover man after he was caught up in a collision while racing his bicycle and skidded for 50 metres, bleeding, across tarmac. 

John Penfound, of St Swithin Way, is still recovering after the accident in a race at Thruxton circuit on August 14 when he was leant into by another rider and the pair became tangled. 

Also in this week's paper:

- Spotlight on village charity helping children with disabilities in Palestine

- Ten-year-old Youtube campaigner shortlisted for national award

- Anglers urged to take care at lakes after fishing hook impaled in pet's paw 

- Man suffering from 'chicken nuggets and chips' disorder cured after 17 years

-Retired teacher's death after fall was an accident, inquest hears

- Kidney donor encourages others to save a stranger's life amid Organ Donation Week

- News from our patches, including Whitchurch and Overton and Tidworth and Ludgershall.

- Two pages of YOUR letters.

- Two pages of your local sport.

And much much more!

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