Cyclist left for dead in hit-and-run says life has 'completely changed'
‘I was training…every day; now some of the simplest things take planning, help, or just aren’t possible yet’
Last updated 7 hours ago
A cyclist left for dead following a hit-and-run in the Scottish Borders says his life has been "completely changed" following the crash two weeks ago.
Mike Snaith was riding his bike on the A72 near his home in Skirling when he was struck by a vehicle which left the scene before police arrived.
He was found lying at the side of the road and taken to hospital in Edinburgh, where his condition was described as life-threatening.
Now, the 36-year-old fitness enthusiast - who previously played rugby for Gala YM - has been discharged and is documenting his recovery online.
“I was training…every day; now some of the simplest things take planning, help, or just aren’t possible yet’,” Mike posted in a video shared on TikTok, under the handle “The Long Way Back”.
But he added: “Life hasn’t stopped, it’s just completely changed.”
Mike had been training for a race when disaster struck on the afternoon of August 11th.
“I was just out for a regular cycle, and I had a triathlon that weekend, so it was nothing too hard," he told Greatest Hits Radio.
“I had a load of events kind of booked in for over the winter.
“I remember waking up in the verge, in the grass; there was a lady driver and a group of bikers who stayed with me until the ambulance came and took me to the Royal."
The family man believes his fitness played a part in his survival, alongside the treatment he received from hospital staff.
“Initially there was concern for my life," Mike admitted. "However, I do believe that if I wasn't training, and I wasn't as fit as I was, I probably wouldn't be here now.
“And, of course, like all the amazing NHS staff that kept me alive.”
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While the physical injuries are healing, Mike says regaining his confidence on the bike could be one of the biggest challenges.
“The crash has obviously impacted me physically but bones and muscles can heal,” he said.
“I need to relearn confidence in my body again, need to get on the bike without having to worry about getting hit by a van again, all those sorts of things.”
The determined dad thanked his family and everyone who has supported him since the crash.
“The TikTok idea was actually my wife's idea to set up the account,” he explained.
“I've got a few months now of recovery and not being at work so it'll fill my time, and (allow me) to connect with people in similar situations. I'll get there."
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Police have appealed for anyone with information about the crash to contact them.
Detective Constable Josh Ellwood said: "Our enquiries are ongoing and I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident to contact us.
"I would also appeal to anyone who has seen a Mercedes Sprinter type van in the area around the time to contact us.
"I would also request anyone with dash cam or private CCTV footage that could assist to get in touch."
Anyone with any information is asked to call 101 - quoting reference 2010 of August 11th, 2026.
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