Grandad cycles 1,000 miles to help bereaved families
A 76-year-old has cycled 1,000 miles in a bid to help families of seriously ill youngsters, after the premature death of his two children.
Grandfather-of-three Colin Mildwater pedalled the length of the UK, from Land’s End to John O’Groats, driven on by his personal tragedies.
The cyclist of 40 years, who lives in Whetsted Road in Five Oak Green, said: “Losing a child is one of the most life changing episodes that any parent can experience. The memory of that child is with you for the rest of your life.
“Very sadly, my wife Jane and I lost a son Andrew who only lived an hour in 1981 and a daughter Laura who tragically got knocked down and killed when she was six in 1989.
“I think it very appropriate that as a long distance cyclist that I should do my last big ride to raise funds for Together for Short Lives. When a child passes on all you have is memories and all I hope is that the money that I raise will in some small way make those memories happier.”
It took the retired banker 10 days to complete the route, remarkably continuing despite a crash near Shrewsbury which left him temporarily needing to use a walking stick.
So far he has raised more than £3,500 for Together for Short Lives, a charity for children with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions and all those who support, love and care for them.
Mr Mildwater has previously ridden the Tour de France route and crossed America twice. The pensioner, who has had a pacemaker fitted, says his doctor is happy for him to keep pedalling and is regularly seen on two wheels with fellow members of the San Fairy Ann Cycling Club. He said: “Although I am still 29 in my head, when I did the ride I was 76 and a quarter, making it a very challenging ride.”