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In the last leg of this fundraising journey, local octogenarian Colin Bedford presented an amazing £4,000 cheque to the Hinchingbrooke Hospital Eye Clinic Team. 

As a token of appreciation for the 100 eye injections that he has received over the last 11 years, Mr Bedford (often accompanied by his friend and fellow bicycle enthusiast, Brian Cundy) cycled 100 miles – on a variety of 100-year-old bikes! Colin said, “I just can’t thank the team enough – from the consultants and nurses to the appointment bookers! Your sight is so important, and the team has saved mine, as well as the sight of so many others. It’s been an honour to support them back!”.

Amongst the bikes he used were an appropriately named 1866 ‘Boneshaker’ – comprised of an iron frame and oak wheels; a BSA Huntingdon Cycle Core that is still equipped with a rifle and grenade as accessories; and a 150-year-old Coventry Machinist tricycle with two huge front wheels and a wicker basket. “They might be older and heavier, but I didn’t have one breakdown. You can’t get any punctures with solid tyres!”, said Colin

Mr Bedford, who also raised £3,000 for the team two years ago, started the journey at the beginning of 2024 split the 100 miles into bitesize chunks, and battling against the weather.  Often dressed in period attire, Colin was cheered over the finish line at Hinchingbrooke Hospital Treatment centre in February. He even made it onto local and national news!

Trust Deputy Chair, Bev Shears joined the eye clinic’s Sunflower Team, Mayor of Huntingdon Cllr Karl Brockett and representatives from North West Anglia Hospitals’ Charity to receive the cheque from Mr Bedford.  Bev said: “I want to pay tribute to Colin for the energy, motivation and dedication he’s given to supporting our incredible sunflower team. The work they do is so valuable in sustaining people’s independence and quality of life and Colin’s efforts will really enhance the care they provide”.

Natalie Uglow, Patient Booking Support, added: “I would like to say a massive thank you to Colin on behalf of the department for all has done over the years – it’s incredible!”

The funds Colin has raised will be allocated to a patient-benefitting project within the eye clinic team to support the care the eye clinic they provide to our local community.