A WOMAN who suffered a crushed jaw and lost four teeth while training for an Ironman UK triathlon is on the road to recovery several operations later.

Zoe Neasham, 43, from Holystone, Newcastle, was on a training cycle ride when the incident happened.

“I was riding down a hill when I suddenly hit a pothole,” she said. “I ended up flying over the handlebars and landed face first onto the tarmac in front of me.

“I hit the whole right side of my face which caused a massive scrape, and was left with multiple facial injuries including a crushed jaw, four teeth knocked out, torn and lost tissue and deep cuts.”

The GNAAS attended the incident at Rothbury, Northumberland, in April last year, and after treatment on scene flew Mrs Neasham to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.

“The team’s level of care was outstanding, and they were so gentle and kind. I felt very safe and secure which made a whole lot of difference as it was the lowest point in my life.”

Following the incident Mrs Neasham has undergone several operations including facial reconstruction and dental surgery.

She visited the GNAAS air base at Langwathby to meet the team who treated her, and this year completed the Ironman UK challenge to raise money for the charity.

Mrs Neasham also handed over a £2,000 donation and plans to take part in a sponsored half marathon in September.