A DETERMINED husband and father diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease is taking on a fundraising challenge that will see him riding 100-miles on his exercise bike.

Bob Singfield, who is married to Brenda, will carry out the challenge - taking place from July 20 and August 20 - in his conservatory in Rhuddlan.

Money is being raised for St Kentigern Hospice in St Asaph. Already £1,287 has been collected.

Bob, 74, was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.

The dad to two grown up children and grandfather to two grandchildren had originally been diagnosed with early stage Parkinson’s disease in 2017 but the progression of his symptoms, and further tests, led to the Motor Neurone Disease diagnosis.

Earlier this year, Bob started attended St Kentigern for a breathing class.

He has benefited from physio, massage and emotional support from the hospice and received weekly calls during lockdown.

Brenda, 72, said: "During lockdown St Kentigern organised a home art therapy course. Bob finds this a real challenge but is enjoying being part of it.

"Getting the diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease was a huge shock in 2019.

"The condition affects us both hugely.

"Because Bob has lost most of the use of his arms, he cannot dress himself, needs help with personal care, eating, etc. In fact, anything he would use his arms for is now severely restricted.

"I am disabled with arthritis and osteoporosis and I walk with a walking aid.

"We often joke that, with my arms and Bob’s legs, we have a functioning person.

"Life is difficult but we are both very positive, practical people - so get on with things and enjoy life. We are lucky that we have a very close and supportive family and lots of good friends and neighbours – as well as Bob’s medical team at Walton, Ysbyty Glan Clwyd and St Kentigern."

Bob learnt to cycle in 1951 and he continues to be passionate about bikes and motorbikes.

Brenda said: "He cannot ride either anymore but still pores over magazines and eBay.

"When he started getting weaker, he knew he could not ride his motorbike or regular bike anymore so bought his electric bikes - one the folds for travelling - in 2017.

"He really enjoyed having them, but then his arms got weaker and weaker so he could no longer keep his hands on the handlebars. So, for Christmas, I bought him his exercise bike."

The idea for the cycle challenge came from Bob's daughter and the need to maintain the use of Bob's legs for as long as possible.

Brenda added: "He felt he needed further motivation to use his exercise bike daily and our daughter suggested cycling for a fundraiser challenge. St Kentigern seemed the obvious choice.

"We are all immensely proud of Bob. He is a caring person with a huge sense of humour – this is reflected by so many of the comments on his Facebook post for this challenge."

Bob added that he 'couldn't do any of it without Brenda'.

To donate, visit www.facebook.com/bob.singfield.5/posts/2892186527574330