John Caudwell, billionaire at Phone4U, has criticized the ‘barbarian ‘italian hospital treatment’ he received after his ‘horrific cycling crash that left him fighting for his life and requiring multiple operations He broke 11 bones in a freak accident while on holiday.  

The tycoon, 69, who was airlifted to hospital in Florence, Italy after the front tyre of his bicycle exploded while descending one of the region’s stunning mountains at 25mph, claims he’s ‘never been treated so badly in his life by a hospital or staff.’

John, 37, lives in a Mayfair home measuring 45,000 square feet. He was cycling with Modesta Vzesniauskaite – a former Olympic cyclist – before he was due to ride for his annual bikeriding charity.

“I was in Italy for a week, then I was transferred to Monaco for a full week. It was horrendous because I was really badly smashed up – a punctured lung and all these fractures, and I still tested positive on a PCR test from Covid five weeks before, so they put me on a Covid ward,’ he explained, speaking to OK! magazine. 

Phones 4U founder John Caudwell, 69, was airlifted to hospital in Florence, Italy after the front tyre of his bicycle exploded while descending one of the region's stunning mountains

John Caudwell (Phones 4U founder), was flown to Florence, Italy, after his front tyre burst while he was climbing one of the stunning mountains of the region.

The tycoon slammed the 'barbarian' Italian hospital treatment he received following the 'horrific' cycling crash which left him fighting for his life and needing multiple operations

The tycoon lashed out at the ‘barbarian-style’ Italian hospital treatment he received after his ‘horrific’ cycling crash that left him fighting for life and required multiple operations.

Caudwell managed to call his partner, Modesta Vzesniauskaite, while another motorist called for an ambulance. Pictured, together

Caudwell was able to call Modesta Vzesniauskaite his partner, while another motorist called an ambulance. Pictured together

“Everyone was dressed in hazmat suits, Modesta was not allowed visit me, and very few people spoke English. It was a nightmare for many reasons.

“It felt very barbarian. I have never experienced such terrible treatment from a hospital staff member or a hospital. I was in terrible pain.  

Caudwell was able to call Modesta Vzesniauskaite his partner, while another motorist called an ambulance.  

She recalled the moment John told her that he had had an accident and was now ‘all smashed up’. I thought, ‘I’ve managed to have a son, move to the UK and have a happy family – and now I’m going to lose all of that.” 

Aftermath: Caudwell had been cycling with girlfriend and former Olympic cyclist Modesta Vzesniauskaite, 37, ahead of his annual bikeriding fundraiser when the front tyre of his bike exploded (pictured above)

Aftermath: Caudwell, 37, was cycling with Modesta Vzesniauskaite – a former Olympic cyclist – ahead of his annual bikeriding fundraising fundraiser when his front tyre exploded (pictured above).

After a five-day stay in an emergency medical facility, John's collapsed lung was successfully re-inflated after doctors drilled into his chest

After a five-day stay at an emergency medical facility John’s collapsed lung was successfully inflated after doctors drilled into it.

John (pictured above in hospital) praised his helmet for saving his life and described how the accident left him unable to breathe and in agonising pain

John (pictured above in hospital), praised his helmet and said that it saved his life. He also described how the accident left John unable to breath and in agonising pain.

Rather than take part in his annual Caudwell Children charity fundraiser on September 24, he cheered on those taking part from his wheelchair

Instead of participating in the Caudwell Children charity event on September 24, he cheered for those who were using his wheelchair.

She said that she prayed for her husband’s health after he was told he needed a’serious operation’ and was worried about telling his children. 

John was treated for a punctured lung and a broken collarbone, broken shoulder blade, and six broken bones. After a five-day stay at an emergency medical facility, his collapsed lungs were successfully inflated by doctors who drilled into his chest.   

He was then taken to a hospital near his Monaco home, where a plate was placed into his collarbone. 

However, the couple that welcomed William John Caudwell to their family in March has not been all doom and gloom. 

Modesta praised Modesta’s ‘amazing pregnancy’ and said she could have four more, but John stated that he needs to heal from his shoulder injuries first.

He said, “I would consider it.” My main concern is to get healthy again. I am focused on my health, my family, and the charity. When I get over this and William’s possibly another six-months older, and if Modesta charms enough …’

Despite the horror crash, Caudwell was able to call his girlfriend and ex-Olympic cyclist Modesta Vzesniauskaite, 37, while a passing motorist called an ambulance. Above: The couple pictured together at the Monaco Grand Prix, May 2021

Despite the horror crash, Caudwell was able to call his girlfriend and ex-Olympic cyclist Modesta Vzesniauskaite, 37, while a passing motorist called an ambulance. Above: The couple photographed together at the Monaco Grand Prix in May 2021

He was then transferred to a hospital nearer to his Monaco home - where he had a plate inserted into his collarbone

He was then transferred from Monaco to a hospital closer to his Monaco home, where a plate was placed into his collarbone