AN RAF veteran from Romsey has raised hundreds of pounds by cycling 100 miles from his front door to Buckingham Palace in a bid to raise money for the charity Blind Veterans UK.

Tony Bostock, 54, raked in £860 by setting off at 6.30am and reaching London at 5.30pm on the same day an annual cycling festival, RideLondon, should have taken place, but was cancelled due to coronavirus.

However, the ex-RAF engineer, who served from 1983 to 1990, decided to make his own version of the race.

Tony, who lives in Dunbridge Lane, said: "It’s been a roller-coaster of a year and I was extremely disappointed when RideLondon was cancelled.

“I decided to support Blind Veterans UK after seeing how they had changed my father-in-law’s life, as the charity supported him to live independently by giving him rehab and training, so he could remain in his own home.

"It’s dramatically changed his life for the better and given him a real purpose for life, so when the event was cancelled I knew I needed to do something to earn those funds for Blind Veterans UK who need them more than ever at the moment."

Tony said he planned his route to pass RAF Odiham and Aldershot Garrison on his way into London.

“Passing the bases was symbolic; they’ve been instrumental in supporting Gulf War veterans so I wanted to cycle past as a gesture.

"I was thinking about the sacrifice members of our armed forces have made for us all as I rode,” Tony added.

To donate to Blind Veterans UK, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AnthonyBostock.

Blind Veterans UK has adapted its service to support its 5,000 beneficiaries, with 90 per cent of them being over 70 and are an increased risk from COVID-19.

The National Support Service will help blind veterans through this period of social isolation.

Blind Veterans UK Director of Operations, Nicky Shaw, said: "Living in isolation, blind veterans need our help right now with daily tasks, such as the shopping, and constant emotional support through this difficult time.

"So, we are temporarily changing our service and mobilising our staff to provide practical, essential support to help the most vulnerable.

“There is so much that we can and must do to support blind veterans to help them maintain physical and emotional wellbeing, and to feel safe, reassured and cared for during this crisis.”