Man, 92, cycles 40 miles to fund wife's hospice

A 92-year-old man has begun a 40-mile (64km) static cycle to raise money for the hospice that cared for his "true love".

Ken Johnson's wife Kate spent her final days at St Richard's Hospice, in April last year, after being diagnosed with mesothelioma - a rare cancer that develops in the thin tissue lining the lungs or abdomen.

The pair, from Broadway in Worcestershire, met in 1951 while working in the Royal Air Force in Germany. Soon after they were married and remained so for 72 years.

"It may take him a few weeks doing a few miles each day, but this challenge will give him a sense of purpose by fundraising to help others and as a thank you for looking after Mum," their son Simon said.

He added: "Dad was most comforted that Mum spent her last hours under the love, care and compassion of the staff at St Richard's. I'm also so grateful for the care and dignity that the nurses gave Mum and the support for me to be able to spend time with her when she passed away.

"For that and the continued support that the family support team has given Dad in losing his true love and best friend of 72 years, he wants to give something back."

The idea came while Ken started using a sit-down cycle exerciser as part of his rehabilitation following a stroke in January.

The 40-mile challenge is the equivalent of riding from the couple's home near to St Richard's Hospice via Redditch Hospital.

It started on Monday, and by Friday Ken had covered 10 miles (16km) in total.

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