Forfar pensioner, 91, attempts Lands End ‘cycle’ for charity

A 91-year-old pensioner from Forfar is attempting a cycle from Lands End to John o’ Groats for charity – despite a recent hospitalisation.

Retired teacher Harry Racionzer will be completing the 800 mile challenge on his exercise bike.

After almost reaching Birmingham though, Harry’s progress was paused after he became unwell and landed in hospital.

Despite being impressed by his cycling – doctors suggested he reduces to doing 20 miles a day instead of 30.

Harry is recovering well, with his daughter, Isla saying he may have “overdid it a little.”

She said: “The main reason he went in was because of low blood pressure, but the cycling didn’t help.

Harry told The Courier: “Every day this year I’ve been doing a couple of hours on the exercise bike.

“My daughter was talking about all the energy crisis and told me that it’s a waste of energy.

“She suggested I used the energy for another fundraiser.”

Bid to raise money for Alzheimer Scotland

Harry hopes to complete the journey by mid May and wants to raise money for Alzheimer’s Scotland.

He was inspired to do the bike ride after his daughter completed the journey in real life.

He explained: “My eldest daughter, Fiona, did Lands End to John o’ Groats last summer and I thought it would be a good one to do on the bike.

“Every other day my other daughter Isla updates the map, and I’ve gone 170 miles since I started at the beginning of April.”

Harry’s wife Etta passed away in 2021 due to complications from dementia

He added: “I could’ve picked a cancer charity but felt the dementia one would be best for keeping to my experience.

“I have a couple of friends have Alzheimer’s and I thought it would be good for me to donate to them.”

Harry previously cycled 90 miles for his 90 years of life in 2022, and completed numerous sponsored walks.

Despite his age and deteriorating eyesight, Harry spends around two hours a day on his bike.

‘You’re only as old as you feel’

He added: “I’m not pretending to be Superman by doing more.

“The fundraisers give me some exercise – and it gives something for the charities.

“People tell me I’m over 90 – but you’re only as old as you feel you are.

“I know the whole things sounds a bit daft, but you’ve got to do something to brighten up your life.”