Veteran, 88, inspired by Captain Tom starts 1,000 mile cycle challenge

88-year-old Thomas Mitchell took on the incredible challenge last month after being inspired by fundraising champion Captain Tom. 

Thomas, who lives at Wisma Mulia care home, says he wants to give back to the place that has made him feel so welcome by raising funds for his fellow residents.

So far he has cycled around 250 miles on his electric bike.

He hopes to complete the challenge by July in time for the care home's 50th birthday. 

Thomas - who has lived at the Frampton home for six years - said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time here. I wanted to give back to this place. 

“I was thrown out of my old flat when it was sold and I was immediately welcomed here by everyone and fitted in really well. 

“I find it very difficult to walk now due to my hip joints but I can still cycle. 

“I want to emphasise though that you still have to pedal hard on an electric bike, it’s not just sitting down and looking at the scenery.”

Thomas, 88, and his electric bike outside Wisma Mulia in Frampton - he is hoping to cycle 1,000 miles in five months (Image: Wisma Mulia)

Thomas usually cycles to Elmore and back through beautiful countryside clocking up around 16 miles daily.

A GoFundMe page has been launched and so far more than £1,000 has been raised in just three weeks. 

Any money raised will go towards disadvantaged residents at the not-for-profit home care for outings, art materials, or technology. 

“My route varies every day from eight to 18 miles, but 16 miles is normally my average. I’m usually pleasantly tired after 16 miles,” Thomas said. 

“It gets easier as the weather gets warmer. Normally I would do 200 miles a month in the summer. 

“Once I did 400 miles in a month, but that was a couple of years ago now. 

“Usually I cycle up to Elmore which is part of my circuit and I go through various little roads. 

“I don’t like to cycle along the canal though as I don’t want to end up in the water!”

Before he moved to Frampton, in his youth Thomas served in the military, and was an acting officer. 

He joined in 1953 and was trained in Sandhurst, then served in Germany for three years and was based in Cyprus during the Cyprus Emergency. 

Monica Jones, friend of Wisma Mulia, said: “Like most who live at Wisma Mulia, I think Thomas really appreciates the quality of life here. 

“It's a very special place and really centred on making as happy a life as possible for the people who live there. 

“Any money raised for amenities will be things to make life for Wisma Mulia residents a bit more cheerful and comfortable. 

“For people who often live far away from their families, or have no family. 

“Many are not nearly as active as Thomas, and can't get out very much.  

“So money for outings to places nearby is always welcome. Or for art materials - or to replace a broken TV, or a mini-fridge in someone's flat. Or even to throw the odd party!” 

You can view Thomas’s GoFundMe page here - https://tinyurl.com/372mtwhn

He is hoping to start a second challenge after July and is planning to cycle 2,000 miles before he turns 90.