A SECOND World War RAF veteran is closing in on completing a 1,000-mile charity cycle challenge – at the grand old age of 100.

Since June, William ‘Bill’ Cooksey, from Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, who has been branded the “miracle man” by his local community, has been biking 20 miles per day.

Mr Cooksey, a former teacher, started his challenge because he wanted to raise some funds for the NHS, which has looked after him on several occasions over the years.

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Despite being profoundly deaf, the veteran has shown grit and determination, proving that the old ways are sometimes the best – tracking his progress and times each day with the carriage clock from his mantlepiece of his Newton Aycliffe home.

NThe end of his charity cycle ride is in sight, with Mr Cooksey set to complete his fundraising goal by next Tuesday, August 9.

Many in his community have branded the 1,000-mile challenge “legendary” – but this is far from his first charity effort.

Last year, the County Durham resident set himself the challenge of walking 100 miles for a local NHS charity that helped to make palliative care more comfortable for him.

The Northern Echo: William 'Bill' Cooksey. Picture: NHSWilliam 'Bill' Cooksey. Picture: NHS

His walking effort in 2021 raised just over £3,000 for County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust Charity and he hopes his latest challenge could surpass that. He hopes to help patients with life-limiting conditions.

Bill’s military career included four years in the Middle East, as well as working on board an air sea rescue flight supporting the 8th army in Benghazi. Following an emergency landing in Cyprus, he and his comrades were forced to live in a Wellington Bomber for six weeks.

Speaking about the inspiration behind his challenge, Mr Cooksey said: “You wouldn’t believe how valuable the work County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust Charity does – it is a charity supplying items which aren’t deemed ‘vital to patient care’ but which are so valuable to making hospital stays and treatment a more comfortable experience.

The Northern Echo: William with Sedgefield MP Paul Howell. Picture: NHSWilliam with Sedgefield MP Paul Howell. Picture: NHS

 “From the chairs your visitors sit on, to toys and colouring books on children’s wards, even fridges for the nursing staff to store food in to keep them replenished while caring for patients around the clock – it’s all provided by the charity.”

The end of his challenge almost coincides with his 101st birthday on August 19.
To mark his birthday, the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust Charity is calling on the community to send cards to him.

Pat Chambers, charity development manager at the NHS Trust, called the centenarian “simply wonderful”, adding: “There are no words to describe how grateful we are for Bill’s support.

The Northern Echo: William with HM Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, Sue Snowdon, after last year’s 100-mile walking challenge. Picture: NHSWilliam with HM Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, Sue Snowdon, after last year’s 100-mile walking challenge. Picture: NHS

“Having made a miraculous recovery from end-of-life care in March 2020, there seems to be no limits to what this wonderful man can achieve.

 “We’d encourage everyone to support him via JustGiving, join us to welcome him over the finish line on August 9, and also to send him birthday cards this year – they can be sent care of the charity office and we know they would mean so much to him.”

You can donate to Bill’s fundraiser here.

Birthday cards can be sent FAO Bill Cooksey, c/o Newton News, Blue Bridge Centre, St. Cuthberts Way, Newton Aycliffe DL5 6DS.

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