Lee Johnston has issued a public statement for the first time since suffering serious injuries after a crash at this month's North West 200.
The Fermanagh rider was airlifted to hospital after crashing at the Church Corner section of the Triangle course during a practice session on Thursday, May 11.
The 33-year-old's family later revealed Johnston was facing a "slow road to recovery" after sustaining injuries including a broken femur, broken shoulder, a break in the foot and face, a number of broken ribs and a collapsed lung, reports Belfast Live.
He also received a blood transfusion on a golf course beside the North West 200 circuit before being taken to hospital.
Johnston issued a statement on his social media on Saturday, thanking everyone who helped 'save my life'.
He said: "Feeling a long way from this point right now but now that I am actually able to txt I wanted to write a post to thank everyone that has got my ass to this point and saved my life.
"Firstly to the medical staff at the track and the @airambulance_ni for what they did before getting me to the hospital, to all the surgeons that spent 10 hours on me once I arrived, all the nurses in the Royal for their unbelievable care and most of all my family/team for what they have done and continue to do for me this is going to be a long road and without them I would be lost both mentally and physically.
"Also thanks for all the kind messages from friends and fans it means so much.
"Thanks Lee."
There has been an outpouring of support for Johnston following his crash at the North West.
A number of riders at last week's British Superbike round at Donington Park displayed stickers with the number 13 on them - the number Johnston races under.
READ NEXT:
- Irish wonderkid courted by German clubs
- Ireland World Cup warm-up fixtures confirmed
- Celtic boss Postecoglou linked with Tottenham Hotspur job
- GAA chiefs hope to host NFL game at Croke Park within five years
- Rachael Blackmore given 5 day ban after controversial ride
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
