Ex-RAF Scot to cycle nationwide for Benevolent Fund

Ex-RAF Search and Rescue pilot Bob Lander plans to cycle from Land's End to John O'Groats for the RAF Benevolent Fund. Picture: RAF Benevolent Fund

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AN ex search and rescue helicopter pilot will cycle from Land's End to John O'Groats for the RAF Benevolent Fund.

After 44 years in the RAF, 62 year-old Bob Lander aims to challenge himself in the first stage of his retirement - by cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats.

Bob, who hails from Fife, 20 miles away from where RAF Leuchars was once based, considers himself to be “incredibly lucky” to have served in the RAF.

He aims to raise £3000 from his endurance bike ride, with the proceeeds going to the RAF Benevolent Fund to ensure it can continue supporting those who have been less fortunate in their military careers.

So far, 87 backers have donated more than £2500 to the former airman’s cause.

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Bob said: “I arrive in Penzance on Thurs 12 May and after a short ride to Lands End, start my cycle on Fri 13th - what can possibly go wrong?”

His route will take in planned night stops near Looe, Exmouth, Chew Stoke, Leominster, Warrington, Kirkby Lonsdale, Carlisle, Hamilton, Glencoe, Inverness and Altnaharra, before arriving in John O’Groats on Tuesday 24 May.

He added: “The cycle will be about 1000 miles.

“This means my bike’s wheels should turn approximately three-quarters of a million times - frightening!”

Bob will be accompanied on his ride by Flight Lieutenant Greg Lings, with both men flying Search and Rescue Sea King helicopters at RAF Leconfield over two decades ago.

You can keep up to date with Bob’s progress and donate by visiting his fundraising page.

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