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Virgin tycoon Richard Branson was left fearing for his life after an horrific bike crash this week.

The businessman was cycling with his two grown up children on the British Virgin Islands when he hit a hump in the road.

He says he was "hurled over the handlebars" and left thinking he would die.

He says his life was only saved because he was wearing a helmet.

But the nasty crash left him with a badly damaged knees, chin, shoulder and cuts all over his body.

(Image: Virgin.com) (Image: Virgin.com)

He can now only drink out of a straw as he slowly recovers.

He said: "I was heading down a hill towards Leverick Bay when it suddenly got really dark and I managed to hit a ‘sleeping policeman’ hump in the road head on.

"The next thing I knew, I was being hurled over the handlebars and my life was literally flashing before my eyes.

"I really thought I was going to die. I went flying head-first towards the concrete road, but fortunately my shoulder and cheek took the brunt of the impact, and I was wearing a helmet that saved my life (however, perhaps they should build bike helmets that protect the side of the face too - does anyone know of one?).

(Image: Virgin.Com/PA)

"My bike went flying off the cliff and disappeared. We’ve since recovered the crumpled bicycle, completely destroyed. My cheek has been badly damaged and my knee, chin, shoulder and body severely cut."

He said after landing he "couldn't believe" he was alive and not paralysed.

(Image: Virgin.Com/PA)

"I travelled to Miami for x-rays and scans, but have been extremely fortunate that apart from a cracked cheek and some torn ligaments I hopefully will be able to complete the Virgin Strive Challenge next month.

"My biggest hardship is having to drink tea out of a straw. Oh, and being called elephant man by a six year old!

(Image: Virgin.com)

(Image: Virgin.com)

"My attitude has always been, if you fall flat on your face, at least you’re moving forward. All you have to do is get back up and try again. At least I’m practicing what I preach – though a little too literally!"

The Virgin Strive Challenge will see a group of people - including Richard Branson and his children, Holly and Sam - travel from the base of the Matterhorn, more than 2000 kilometres to the summit of Mt Etna in Sicily.

To read more about the Virgin Strive Challenge click here.