The 44-year-old from Porthcawl, who won Britain's first gold medal at the Beijing 2008 Paralympics, was hit by a van whilst training near Bridgend last month, which left him suffering spinal fractures, a broken pelvis and breastbone, and a detached lung.

A 59-year-old man was arrested following the incident and is currently on police bail but the good news is that Richardson is now conscious while breathing with aid.

"Thank you to everyone," said Richardson in a statement.

"I've no recollection of the past month of my life so to wake up and discover what's been going on is quite a surprise.

"I'm shocked at the sheer numbers of people who have been so supportive and just how the cycling community in particular has supported my wife Amanda and sent their messages of support to me."

Richardson competes as a Para-cyclist due to injuries he sustained on a training ride back in 2001 when he was similarly hit by a car while cycling on the road.

Following the incident, he used cycling as a rehabilitation tool and went on to star at the 2008 Paralympics where he won golds in the LC3-4 kilo and individual pursuit, as well as a silver in the road time trial in the Chinese capital.

Richardson and his doctors are now fully focussed on his recovery, with the aim being to gain sufficient strength to move from intensive care to a trauma unit, where further rehabilitation can commence.

And although his dreams of competing at the London 2012 Paralympic Games are now over, he will continue to be aided by British Cycling.

Following the incident, British Cycling and its specialist personal injury solicitors Leigh Day & Co have been in regular contact with Richardson's wife, supporting the family during the last few traumatic weeks.

The organisation has also redoubled its efforts in addressing safety issues for cyclists, embarking upon a member survey to help highlight key road safety issues.

They are using the information to engage the Government and seek the necessary changes in legislation.

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