Surfer who broke leg in sea says he's 'lucky to be alive' after falling from wave

  • Watch Grace Pascoe's report

A surfer who broke his leg while in the sea says he's "lucky to be alive" and has praised his fellow surfers who helped him back to shore.

Nathan Phillips' surfboard crashed into his leg after he fell from a wave off Porthleven, breaking it in two places.

Nathan then used his friend's paddleboard to get back to shore on 3 March.

Speaking to ITV News West Country, he said: "There was a seal pulling my leash as I was paddling out and I didn't know what it was at first and I started freaking out.

Nathan is recovering in hospital after falling from this wave. Credit: Jason Dreyer

"I took off on a wave, I was in the barrel and then next thing I know, I hear a big crack and I was underwater. I could feel my foot flopping round and I just felt like it was going to fall off."

A coastguard team were on scene early to help Nathan out of the water.

"When the helicopter turned up, they stretchered me out. They said I was too big for the helicopter, but they gave me gas and air", he said.

Eventually a land ambulance took Nathan to Derriford Hospital, where he remains.

Since Nathan's accident, his friends have fundraised nearly £8,000 to help him get back on his feet.

"I was blown away by the kindness of people. I've got a baby due in five weeks as well, so my girlfriend's not very happy that I've done this, obviously.

"So this money will be a huge help", he added.