A binman left seriously injured after being hit by a car has been reunited with the air ambulance pilot who flew in medical staff that saved his shattered leg and broken pelvis.

Malachy Rowan, 54, from Colindeep Lane, Sprowston and his wife Jean met East Anglian air ambulance pilot Neil Waller on Wednesday at the air ambulance's Cambridge headquarters to say a big thank-you. Mr Rowan is also keen to find and thank the mystery woman doctor who helped him before the air ambulance arrived.

'I had angels watching over me that day,' he said.

'A first aider helped me, then a woman doctor who lives locally stopped the blood flow. Then the air ambulance crew arrived and what they did saved me from losing my leg.

'Finally the road ambulance crew arrived and rushed me to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital putting me in the hands of the fantastic surgeons and nursing staff there.

'I can't thank all of them enough and I have started by visiting the East Anglian air ambulance to say thanks in person. They got to me fast and they are one of the reasons why now I am on crutches and did not lose my leg.

'This is a brilliant service, and I urge everyone to support them.'

The collision happened on December 9 last year in The Street, Saxlingham Nethergate. Mr Rowan had been loading wheeled bins into the back of a refuse lorry when he was struck by a car.

Mr Rowan spent nearly two weeks in hospital and he is still recovering from his injuries.

Mr Waller said it was wonderful to see Mr Rowan was now on the mend.

Wednesday's reunion was organised by South Norfolk councillor Neil Ward, who urged drivers to take care when driving close to where refuse collections are taking place.

If you are the woman doctor who helped Mr Rowan, or if you want to thank somebody who saved your life, call reporter Emma Knights on 01603 772428 or email emma.knights@archant.co.uk