Ex-soldier cycling 500 miles

British Army veteran Colin is setting off on 19 November to travel to Vietnam where he will embark on a 500 mile cycling challenge, making his way to Cambodia, to raise money for our charity.

Colin who is 61, lives close to our Centre of Wellbeing in Llandudno and decided to fundraise for us as he previously served alongside one of our blind veterans, Billy. 

Billy is supported by us after he lost his sight during active service in Bosnia, while both men were serving with the 1st Royal Horse Guard Artillery. Colin’s father has also recently been registered blind.

Colin got in touch with us and found out that Billy also works for the charity at our centre in Llandudno and felt that made it even more pertinent that he should support us with his challenge. He says:

“The charity arranged for me to meet Billy and we laughed and shared stories from our time in the military.

“I hadn’t realised how much Billy had struggled with his sight loss; he explained that if it wasn’t for Blind Veterans UK he’d be in a very bad place."

Colin will be cycling as part of a group of 28 others who are each supporting their own charities. He says:

“I visited Vietnam about three years ago and stayed for four weeks travelling around on trains, planes, and automobiles. I am looking forward to seeing the country from my saddle. I’m excited to go back to Ho Chi Minh and to sail down the Mekong Delta into Cambodia. In Cambodia we will pass through the Healing Fields which will be very emotional.

“I’ve been training ready for the ride and trying to cycle around 300 miles a week to replicate what it will be like.”

Colin has already raised over £1,600. His employer, Siemens Energy, has committed to match fund up to £1,500. To support Colin in reaching his target of £4,000 please visit his Just Giving page.