Patients complete 1,000 mile D-Day car rally to raise funds for Hereford County Hospital

Two local patients have completed more than a 1,000 mile round trip to Normandy in a vintage car rally to commemorate the 75th D-Day anniversary and raise £1,500 for Hereford County Hospital.

The pair, Brian Bedford and Bruce Albright, were joined by 35 Ford vintage car enthusiasts for a three day rally challenge from 24 May to 27 May 2019, which included notable sites such as the Pegasus Bridge in Brian’s 1984 Ford Granada ex police car, fully restored and in immaculate condition.

74 year old Brian Bedford, from Ullingswick, who has recently undergone chemotherapy treatment for bowel cancer at the Macmillan Cancer Unit at Hereford County Hospital, said: “The care I received was second to none and the staff in the unit were always helpful and kind, so I really felt I wanted to give something back”.

The duo has raised £1,500 for Hereford County Hospital’s charitable fund, which includes a £500 donation from their employer at Brightwell's in Leominster,

68 year old Bruce Albright, from Bishop’s Castle, who has been a urology patient at the hospital, added: “We would like to thank all of the local businesses who have helped make the trip possible and everyone who has kindly donated”.

Katie Farmer, Wye Valley NHS Trust Fundraiser, said: “This was a fantastic way to mark the 75^th D-Day anniversary whilst also raising money for the Trust’s charitable funds, which will help enhance the care and facilities we provide for patients.  We wish to thank Brian, Bruce, Brightwell’s in Leominster, and those who helped with this fundraising event”.