80-year-old tackles cycle challenge for hospital

An 80-year-old man has embarked on a 100-mile (161km) cycle ride to raise funds for a hospital charity.

David Butland spent a month in intensive care at Bradford Royal Infirmary due to a severe infection twenty years ago.

He said he wanted to raise some money for the Bradford Hospitals Charity as a way of thanking them for the care he received.

Mr Butland began his ride from his home in Bridlington, East Yorkshire on Thursday and is due to arrive at Bradford Royal Infirmary at 15:00 BST on Saturday.

Mr Butland is originally from Bradford but moved to East Yorkshire when he retired with his wife Judy who died in 2018.

“I don’t think Judy would think this latest challenge a good idea," he said.

"But she’d be happy and proud that I’m raising money for Bradford Hospitals Charity.

"The care I received at Bradford Royal Infirmary saved my life."

He said everyone had played a part in his care "Dr Russell Roberts, the consultant nephrologist, to the nurses, the physiotherapists and the cleaners who kept my room spotless with so much care".

Mr Butland said his wife had also been supported during an "incredibly worrying and challenging time".

It was in March 2004, when Mr Butland fell seriously ill with an infection which affected his heart, lungs and kidneys.

He was admitted to BRI’s Intensive Care Unit where he was sedated and placed on a ventilator.

His wife was told to prepare for the worst.

But after spending a month in hospital, he made a remarkable recovery and was well enough to go home and later took up cycling to keep fit.

Lisa Williams, from the Bradford Hospitals Charity, said they were grateful for Mr Butland's "his remarkable dedication in raising funds for us through this 100-mile cycling journey from Bridlington to Bradford".

She said his support was "truly appreciated" and they were looking forward to seeing him at the finish line.