March man, 87, rides 100 miles to raise hospital cash

Colin Bedford's least favourite bike was the "bone-shaker" velocipede bike

An 87-year-old man completed a 100-mile (160km) cycling challenge to raise money for a hospital that saved his sight.

Colin Bedford, from March, Cambridgeshire, recently received his 100th eye injection at Hinchingbrooke Hospital in Huntingdon.

He rode 100 miles on bikes that were each a century old, to mark the occasion.

He said the experience was emotional and at times he "felt 100 years old".

The 87-year-old was inspired by Captain Sir Tom Moore

As of Friday, Colin had raised £2,185 for the hospital that he visited every month for eye injections.

He damaged his retina 11 years ago while playing badminton.

He was inspired by Captain Sir Tom Moore and was met with applause as he finished his 100-mile cycle on Friday.

He said: "It's been quite an experience and harder than I thought.

"The 100 year old bicycles don't ride like modern bicycles, no gears of course, but the weather has been kind overall.

"It had gone remarkably well and I am very pleased with how it turned out."

Hospital staff watched Mr Bedford and cheered him on

Mr Bedford's least favourite bike was the "bone-shaker" velocipede bike, which had a solid iron frame, wooden wheels and an iron rim.

He said: "The problem with the iron rim is when you pedal you keep doing wheelies because it doesn't grip the wheel.

"Doing wheelies on a 100-year-old bike is not good."

Mr Bedford damaged his retina 11 years ago while playing badminton

Mr Bedford's sporting challenge also involved him riding a 1914 BSA Huntingdonshire Cycle Corps bike.

He added: "It has been very emotional and hopefully we can get some money for the hospital.

"I can go home now without thinking about the next bike ride."