VETERAN and Ilkley resident Roger Miall is marking his 90th birthday and the Royal British Legion’s centenary by cycling 100km in 30 days.

Roger, who was a TA Colonel in the Royal Engineers for 40 years, said he has been inspired by the efforts of fellow military veteran, Captain Sir Tom Moore, the NHS fundraiser, who was born in Keighley.

The 100-year-old raised almost £33 million for health service charities by walking laps of his garden. He also released a charity single, You’ll Never Walk Alone, with singer Michael Ball, which reached number one in the charts, making him the oldest artist ever to have a UK number one single.

The amazing achievements saw him knighted last year.

“I just couldn’t believe what Sir Tom achieved,’”said Roger.

“He’s an absolute inspiration not just to ex-servicemen but to the entire country.

“I don’t expect to raise anything like the sums he did but if I can help to support the great work of the Royal British Legion in any way I will be delighted.”

And if taking on a 100k cycling challenge at the age of 90 wasn’t enough, Roger is returning to the saddle after he was struck down by a series of strokes and a heart condition.

“My health has took quite a battering over the past few years,” said Roger,, “But the exercise bike has really helped my rehabilitation and helped me get a bit more mobile.

“I am determined to hit my target and raise as much as possible for the Royal British Legion.”

Roger will kick off the challenge a couple of days after his 90th Birthday on Monday, February 8th.

With a bit of help from his granddaughter Natalie, he has set up a Just Giving page and is already almost half way towards his £2,000 target.

The Royal British Legion looks after former members of the armed forces who have fallen on hard times or just need some support.

They spend over £1m every week on this vital work and rely solely on donations from the public.

Roger only hopes that his efforts will help raise awareness of this amazing cause and raise a little bit of extra cash along the way.

If you would like to donate or to find out more about Roger’s challenge please visit his just giving page at:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/roger-miall