A St Albans college lecturer will undertake a 100-mile charity cycle to celebrate his birthday.

Paul Wood, 63, who works at Oaklands College in Smallford, St Albans, will get on his bike to raise money and awareness for Blind Veterans UK.

He was in the Territorial Army (TA) for 35 years and feels strongly about giving back to veterans who lost their eyesight serving or in later life.

Paul joined the TA in 1981 and served in the Queens and Princess of Wales Regiments as well as 167 Catering Support Regiment.

He said: “I always wanted to join the Army but as I travelled the world as a chef, I was unable to in the years that I was in England. When I finally settled with my family, I decided to join the TA instead.”

Paul was in charge of catering for various regiments and retired when he turned 60, as a Warrant Officer II – the second highest rank for non-commissioned officers.

But he loved it so much that he went back and is now a senior military instructor with the Army Cadets.

Paul, who lives in Hemel Hempstead, will cycle the Prudential Ride London to Surrey 100 on his 64th birthday (July 31), and plans to improve his personal best of six hours.

He added: “It’s a fantastic event and the atmosphere is amazing. I can’t think of a better way of celebrating my birthday than hopefully finishing the challenge in five and a half hours.

“Blind Veterans UK is a great charity and the work they do is of great importance, especially the training and equipment the charity gives to veterans so that they can live independently with their sight loss.”

To sponsor Paul click here.