Gordon Ramsay, showing off bruised torso, says he’s ‘lucky to be here’ after bike crash

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, who got into a bicycle accident in Connecticut last week, showed off widespread bruising on his torso as a cautionary tale to “all the dads out there.�

In a Saturday video posted on his social media accounts ahead of Father’s Day, the “Hell’s Kitchen� and “Kitchen Nightmares� star demanded that his followers “WEAR A HELMET,� explaining that he might have been in worse shape if he had not worn one.

“This week I had a really bad accident while riding my bike in Connecticut,� Ramsay, 57, wrote on Instagram. “I’m doing ok and did not break any bones or suffer any major injuries but I am a bit bruised up looking like a purple potato.�

The Scottish-born restaurateur, who is an accomplished marathoner and triathlete, thanked the doctors, nurses and staff who looked after him at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London. Conn., but said he was “most thankful� to the helmet that he says “saved my life.�

In the video, Ramsay lifted his chef’s whites to show that more than half of his torso was covered in purple bruising. And, in before-and-after pictures, he showed how badly his helmet and biking shirt were damaged.

“It really shook me and obviously I’m lucky to be here,� the reality-competition star said, adding, “you’ve got to wear a helmet. I don’t care how short the journey is. I don’t care that these helmets cost money. They’re crucial. Even with the kids, a short journey, they’ve got to wear a helmet.�

The father of six wished his followers a happy Father’s Day, but on a slightly somber note.

“I’m in pain. It’s been a brutal week and I’m sort of getting through it,� the “MasterChef� star said. “Wear a helmet. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be here now.�