Richard Branson injured

Branson, who lives on his private Caribbean island of Necker, says he was in neighbouring Virgin Gorda training for his Virgin Strive Challenge charity bike ride, when he hit a sleeping policeman hump in the road.

“I was being hurled over the handlebars and my life was literally flashing before my eyes,” said Sir Richard, 66 in a statement on his website.

“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. “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?).

“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.”

Sir Richard said he was helped to his feet by fellow members of the team, taken home and “patched up”.

He later flew to Miami to have X-rays and scans taken .

“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 is a 1,200 mile philanthropic marathon that starts with a five day hike from the base of the Matterhorn peak in northe2727rn Italy and includes several days of cycling down to the southern tip of Italy and a swim to Sicily through the Straits of Messina.

Money raised through the event will benefit the Big Change youth entrepreneurship charity, which was founded by Branson’s children.

Branson and his family have participated in the physical challenge since its inception in 2014