87-year-old Fenland man going strong on 100-mile challenge for hospital

He's aiming to finish the feat later this month

Colin Bedford has recently had his 100th eye injection at Hinchingbrooke Hospital
Author: Dan MasonPublished 4th Feb 2024

An 87-year-old man from March has said his latest fundraiser of walking and riding 100 miles on 100-year-old bicycles will help repay those who've saved his sight.

Colin Bedford has been taking on the challenge since the start of this year to raise money for Hinchingbrooke Hospital staff who've been treating him for 11 years since he damaged his retina while playing badminton.

He's aiming to complete the ride on four vintage bicycles, some dating back to as early as the 1800s.

Colin, who's recently had his 100th eye injection, has so far raised around £1,200 for the hospital's eye clinic and is no stranger to fundraising, having contributed roughly £30,000 to different charities.

"I like to repay people who've helped me"

"I've been very fortunate in life, but the main thing is I like to help other people," he said.

"There's a lot of money involved (with eye injections) and I like to repay people who have helped me in any way, so I thought at least I can do my little bit and so that's what urges me on.

Colin Bedford with one of his vintage bicycles

"I go out every day but I haven't reached the 100 miles yet because there have been some days where the weather's been very bad, windy or raining so I'm a little bit behind schedule.

"I only do a mile or a mile-and-a-half a day because with the modern tarmac road, a side iron tyres, if you put too much pressure on you keep doing a wheelie, so it's very difficult to ride."

Colin aims to finish his 100-mile challenge later this month.

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