A MAN will cycle 175 miles to Hereford to raise money for the Royal National College of the Blind.

Robin Stephens, 59, will be making the journey from Southampton to Hereford in October alongside a group of colleagues and friends in memory of his father.

Gordon Stephens attended the Hereford college in the late 40s and 50s, where he studied music and later a teaching diploma after losing his sight in an air raid in 1941.

Robin, who is from Salisbury, said: “After losing Dad in 2015, we set up a family memorial trust to help support the terrific work of the RNC. They gave him the opportunities and skills to lead his extraordinary life.”

“The fundraising bike ride is one of many ways I’d like to support the college so they can continue to help young people with visual impairments.”

His late father went on to work for the Ministry of Aviation in London, before becoming a senior manager in Customs and Exercise in Southend and receiving an MBE in 1988 for his services.

Frankie Devereux, Fundraising Manager at RNC added: “We are extremely lucky that the college has such passionate supporters. Robin’s efforts are not only a testament to the help his father gained from RNC but also a tribute to his achievements throughout his life”.

Visit www.justgiving.com/companyteams/pedal-to-hereford to find out more or to make a donation.