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Colin Bedford saddles up for 100-mile cycle challenge around home town of March




A man in his eighties is saddling up and taking on a 100-mile cycling challenge to thank a hospital that has saved his eyesight.

Colin Bedford, 87, from March is due to receive his 100th eye injection at Hinchingbrooke Hospital in Huntingdon on January 25.

A fluke injury playing badminton caused his retina to tear and saw him rushed to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge for emergency surgery, 11 years ago.

Colin Bedford intends to ride some of the 100 miles on his Bone Shaker cycle which dates back to 1865.
Colin Bedford intends to ride some of the 100 miles on his Bone Shaker cycle which dates back to 1865.

He had ongoing treatment at the Cambridge hospital on his right for nine months after that before being referred to the eye clinic at the Huntingdon hospital.

Since then Colin has been every month for the past 11 years for an injection to help dry up the blood that seeps into the back of his eye as a result of the damage left by the accident.

Colin, who is well-known in his hometown for his fundraising efforts, love of old cycles, and for being the country’s oldest badminton coach, said: “Without the injection in my eye, I would have lost my sight. I am told the injections cost a few hundred pounds every time, so I thought it was time to give something back.

Colin Bedford will be riding 100 miles around March on veteran and vintage bikes from his collection.
Colin Bedford will be riding 100 miles around March on veteran and vintage bikes from his collection.

“I do a lot of fundraising and have raised thousands of pounds over the years, so I really wanted to do something for Hinchingbrooke. Your sight is so precious, and I’m grateful for everything they have done for me over the years so it is time to say thank you.”

His family has set up a Justgiving page with a target of £5,000 and donations can be made via that, or given directly to Colin if you spot him on one of his rides.

Colin, who undertook a fundraising cycle ride in November 2020 for Diabetes UK riding five different bikes over five days from his collection and wearing a costume to match, started his 100-mile challenge on New Year’s Day.

He plans to ride up to six miles a day around the March area, and would be delighted if people spot him and cheer him on.

He will be accompanied by volunteers to ensure his safety and plans to do most of the mileage on his 100-year-old BSA Huntingdon Cycle Core, but he will also saddle up on his Bone Shaker which dates back to 1865 and was made in Fakenham by John Garoo.

Weather permitting Colin intends to ride every day and hopes to complete his 100-mile challenge by the end of the month.

Colin said: “Unfortunately I can only ride up to six miles a day because I have diabetes and going further can cause problems with that. But hopefully I shall make it. I have already clocked up 12 miles since (Monday).”



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