A 92-year-old widower is taking on a 40-mile cycling challenge to help raise money for a hospice.
Ken Johnson, from Broadway, is using a static cycle to fundraise in memory of his wife, Kate, who spent her final couple of nights at St Richard’s Hospice.
Mr Johnson plans to cover the distance from his home to the hospice via Redditch Hospital, where Kate was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2024.
The couple met in the RAF in Germany in 1951 and were married for 72 years.
Simon Johnson, Ken’s son, said: “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.
“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.”
Ken and Kate Johnson on their wedding day (Image: Ken Johnson)
Mr Johnson has been using the sit-down cycle as part of his rehabilitation after a stroke in January.
The funds raised will support St Richard’s Hospice, which offers free, expert care for adults with an illness that cannot be cured, and support for their loved ones and carers.
Each year, the hospice supports more than 3,000 patients, family members and bereaved people in Worcestershire.
The hospice expects it will cost in the region of £12m to run the hospice this year, with most of its income relying on voluntary support, including from donations, gifts in Wills, retail and events, with the remainder funded by the NHS.
Donations to Mr Johnson’s challenge can be made at justgiving.com/page/kenneth-johnson-1.
More information about the hospice is available at strichards.org.uk.
