A fundraising campaign has been launched to aid the cyclist injured at Manorbier whilst taking part in the Long Course Weekend Sportive on Saturday, July 8.

Somerset teacher Victoria Gibson was airlifted to hospital after a collision on the A4319.

A Crispin School PE teacher, Victoria was seriously injured and she was airlifted to hospital in Cardiff.

A fundraising page has also been launched to support her.

Headteacher of Crispin School, Paul Reddick, told Somerset Live: “Victoria is a much-loved, energetic and highly respected colleague. The news of her accident has shocked everyone at Crispin and all members of the school community wish her a speedy recovery.

“The fact that Victoria has just raised £1,100 for the Make A Wish charity and was due to organise and host the annual sports awards evening which parents and students really value is a testament to her commitment, dedication and selflessness.”

After raising money for others, Mrs. Gibson’s friends and family have now set-up a Just Giving page for her, hoping to raise £5,000 to cover any costs that may occur during her recovery.

Victoria was going to do the bike section of the Outlaw race with two friends this month

Her friend, Lisa Llewellyn, who was competing with her at the time of the collision, said: “Vicky is a very talented and determined woman. She was training for Ironman Wales in September. We are using a race on July 23 as a fundraising opportunity for her recovery. She would have wanted us to carry on doing what we love. A friend will take her place in the cycling section of the race.”

A message on the crowdfunding page set-up by Mrs. Gibson’s friends said: “We still don’t know the extent of her injuries, but we do know that it will be a long recovery. We would like to raise money for her and the family whatever their needs may be.”

Within a day, the page has raised almost £1,000 for the triathlete, teacher, and swimming instructor.

Alongside her job as a PE teacher, Victoria teaches classes at Strode Swimming Pool.

Adam Spencer, general manager at Strode Leisure Centre and Shepton Mallet Lido, said: “We are deeply saddened to here of the recent bike crash our employee Vicky Gibson had.

“Vicky teaches five classes a week at Strode Swimming Pool, our customers and staff are all rooting for her to have a speedy recovery so she can get back here and put our customers through their paces.”

Dyfed-Powys Police is investigating the collision and appealing for witnesses to come forward.

“We would appeal for any witnesses to this incident to please contact us on 101, quoting reference DP-20170708-159,” said a statement.