Age is no barrier as Shropshire couple tackle 80-mile tandem charity challenge

Norman and Sylvia Powell will travel from Stanmore Park, Bridgnorth, to RAF Cosford and then on to RAF Shawbury and back to raise funds for the RAF Association next Tuesday.

The former racing cyclists were both seriously injured after being knocked off their tandem two years ago, but fought back so that they could carry on with their favourite pastime.

Norman, 78, said: "We go out every day but it's getting harder and harder.

"We will do it until we can't – we would hate to be conked out in a chair.

"We're feeling very confident about the bike ride."

The Bucknell couple were knocked off their tandem bike two years ago while cycling between Ludlow and Craven Arms.

Both suffered nasty injuries. Sylvia had a broken pelvis and broken hand and Norman suffered severe bruising that caused it to swelled up "like a balloon".

Despite that ordeal, Norman and Sylvia, now 76, soon got back in the saddle to take part in a 115-mile ride last year.

Norman said: "It was a freak accident.

"We'd been on that road hundreds of times. There was quite a lot of traffic about, but we felt quite happy. Suddenly, we heard some rattling behind us for a second and then we up in the air.

"When we were at home we couldn't do anything for one another. We couldn't move. We were having a district nurse come in to help us.

"We wanted to get back into life though. We started riding again – life goes on. That's what we do."

Lyn Addison, head of Cosford's RAF Association, said: "It was wonderful of them to volunteer to do this ride.

"They have a combined age of 154, so cycling 80 miles is a huge achievement.

"They suffered horrendous injuries when they were knocked off their bike and yet the year after they were back riding for charity.

"I think it's quite inspiring."

To donate visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/SeniorsCycleRide