A 91-year-old is attempting to cycle the equivalent of Land’s End to John O’Groats and back again to raise money for his daughter's charity in Croydon.

Bahman Farazmand, of Cheam, has been keeping fit by riding his exercise bike everyday since March 2020, for Roundabout charity. 

Before the first lockdown last year, Farazmand could be found exercising at David Weir Sports Centre 5-days a week, which included two gym classes referred to by his doctor. 

The 91-year-old hasn't let lockdown stop him from getting fit, and has clocked up a total of 2,038.8km in the past 10 months. He is now pushing to reach 2814km by completing at least 5km every morning. 

"I'm doing it to stay alive and stay fit," said Farazmand. 

"I want to still be here for my Grandson’s wedding in June.

“If I manage to cycle 5km a day, I hope to be finished by the time it is safe for me to go back to the gym. I miss my friends and the nice coffee bar."

Speaking about why he selected Croydon Charity, Roundabout, he said: “My daughter and her best friend set the charity up together 35-years-ago and I want to help because I know what useful work Roundabout is carrying out at this very difficult time.

"My late wife was a GP who took great care of her older patients, both at home and in nursing homes. So, I am especially keen to support Roundabout’s help for that age group”.

Lynn Cedar, co- director of Roundabout said “After Bahman’s successful 26km cycle ride for Roundabout we are absolutely thrilled he is taking on another challenge to support the charity’s work.

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"We know he has the stamina and motivation to complete this amazing challenge. The whole Roundabout team will be cheering him on. 

"The money raised will fund dramatherapy sessions to help improve mental health and wellbeing for vulnerable individuals and decrease loneliness and isolation.

"The work is needed because isolation, anxiety, grief, and the increase of the impact of existing conditions, such as family dysfunction, learning and physical disabilities, loneliness and disengagement, are taking a terrible toll on the people we work with.”

Farazmand has raised £1,388 at the time of publishing. To donate visit here.