Octogenarian Colin Bedford has presented an amazing £4,000 to the Hinchingbrooke Hospital Eye Clinic team.

Colin, raised the money as a token of appreciation for the one hundred eye injections he has received over the last 11 years.

Mr Bedford, who is often accompanied by his friend and fellow bicycle enthusiast, Brian Cundy, cycled 100 miles – on a variety of 100-year-old bikes.

He 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.”

Among 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," explained Colin.

Colin is pictured with the team and the mayor outside the hospital's Treatment Centre.Colin is pictured with the team and the mayor outside the hospital's Treatment Centre. (Image: NWAFT)

Mr Bedford, who also raised £3,000 for the team two years ago, started the journey at the beginning of 2024, splitting the 100 miles into bitesize chunks and battling against the weather.

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Often dressed in period attire, Colin was cheered over the finish line at Hinchingbrooke's Hospital Treatment Centre in February.

Hospital 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 that they provide to the community.