A dad affected by the most common form of sight loss has completed a 280-mile cycle ride from Colne to London in the name of charity.
Malcolm Redford (61) took on the challenge for a second year to raise funds for the Macular Society.
Significantly, he ended his three-day journey, through beautiful routes in Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire, at the London Eye.
Malcolm was due to be taking on the trek with his son James (24) - but was forced to go solo after James suffered a broken bone in his knee in a training accident just two days before the ride.
In 2013, he conquered the challenge with James on a tandem, but had a new form of transport this year with a recumbent tricycle and wife Caroline was on hand in a support car.
Artist and former teacher Malcolm, who lives off Lenches Road, said: “I have got macular degeneration myself, and although I have had to surrender my driving licence because my eye sight is not good enough, I am OK for cycling.
“I thought after having done it last year, that I would like to go somewhere else, but the route was so good that there just wasn’t any choice.
“I’m so glad I did it again, it was brilliant fun. I was cycling along little lanes in Lincolnshire, with good surfaces, it was flat and sunny and there was just me. It was very pleasant.
“The back lanes in Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire are picturesque and Epping Forest is amazing.
“As well as raising money for the Macular Society, I was trying to show that having bad eyesight doesn’t need to stop you doing things. You really have to keep going.”
Last year Malcolm managed to raise £1,000, and is hopeful of reaching the four-figure sum again.
Macular degeneration causes loss of the central vision, making tasks such as reading, recognising faces and watching television extremely difficult.
The Macular Society provides free information and support to improve lives and funds research into a cure for the condition.
Prior to the cycle ride, the charity tweeted: “A huge good luck to member Malcolm Redford, cycling from his home in Colne, Lancashire to the London Eye starting tomorrow – amazing!”
To make a donation to Malcolm’s cause, visit www.justgiving.com/Malcolm-Redford
