Caring Colin bikes 50 miles for care homes

Colin, 42, of Fulbeck Heath, challenged himself to bike the 51.9 miles around each of the five Lincolnshire centres run by the St Philip’s Care group to raise cash for extra treats for residents at the home where he works.

His efforts raised £200 for the comfort fund at Welbourn Manor, in Welbourn, where he works as an activities coordinator.

He completed the trip in five hours including an hour’s refreshment break.

He was also given a helping hand by military police who escorted him through a shortcut across the base at RAF Cranwell to avoid fast-moving traffic on the busy A17.

After an episode of epilepsy, Colin had to forfeit his driving licence and switch to a bicycle for the 10-mile round daily trip to work and he has kept up the cycling habit.

He said: “I’ve taken part in two 50-mile charity bike rides in the past – one for the British Heart Foundation and the other to raise money for Marie Curie nurses.

“I wanted to prove to myself that I still had the stamina to tackle a long-distance ride while doing something for a good cause at the same time.”

Colin thought autumn would be cooler but did not reckon on temperatures of 23C. With the day’s heat making it tough, he stopped off for an ice cream and a drink with his wife Beth and children Dottie, aged three, and Bruin, one.

Colin’s route started and ended at Welbourn Mano with staff cheering him home, taking in Roxholm Hall, near Sleaford, Canwick Court and Ridgeway Care Centre in Lincoln and The Grove at Skellingthorpe.

He said: “The worst part was along the B1188 which I hadn’t realised was such a busy road. There was a lot more fast-moving traffic than I’m used to.”