A MAN who lost his sight after a car accident has been reunited with the doctor who saved his life.

Ryan Simões-Hibberd, 27, co-presents a weekly radio show for the visually impaired with Gary Law on Swindon 105.5 and has worked at the station for three years.

Ryan, who lives in Chippenham, spoke to Dr Ben Walton at the Swindon community radio station’s studios on Tuesday, almost eight years after the night of the accident which cost him his sight.

Dr Walton was off duty when he saw a vehicle career across lanes and crash while driving down the M5 on July 4, 2009.

The car was being driven by Jennifer John, who was driving Ryan to his 19th Kasabian gig after they met on the band’s fan forums. She offered to give him a lift when she realised they were going to the same show.

She was killed in the crash and when Dr Walton arrived at the scene of the wreck, passers-by had pulled Ryan out of the burning vehicle.

Dr Walton said: “Everyone there did what they could, it was a wonderful team effort, then I helped with his care at Frenchay Hospital.

“A few years later, I got an email saying he was eager to get in touch, it was lovely to see Ryan again and hear about everything that’s happened since.”

Ryan doesn’t remember the crash or his first days in hospital, so he was thrilled when he got to meet the doctor who saved him.

He said: “It was incredible to meet him, say thank you and express how grateful I am, it was a very emotional moment.

“Swindon 105.5 has been phenomenal, it’s given me purpose as I’ve always wanted to to do something in the media but I couldn’t continue my journalism degree due to memory problems.

“Losing my sight was very difficult initially but as time went on I realised there’s nothing I can do about it.

“So I just get on with it, try to be positive and be thankful.

“I try to live as normal a lifestyle as possible and can still do things I enjoy.”

Ryan’s interview with Dr Walton is due to air on Swindon 105.5 in a couple of weeks.