A PENSIONER from Olveston is drawing inspiration from the Winter Olympics as he takes to the ice for the daunting prospect of competing in Bobsleigh.

Bernard Amos said he was “doubting his own sanity” when he took on the challenge to serve as brakeman after being invited to Team GB’s sliding ahead of the European Seniors Cup being held in Innsbruck Austria at the start of March.

Taking the opportunity to do some good with the experience, Bernard is raising money for charity Cancer Research UK.

Despite having never even seen a bobsleigh in the flesh – or in the metal – before, the 71-year-old accepted the invitation from a former work colleague, having turned down a number of invitations to partner him in the British Bobsleigh Championships in the past.

He said: “Quite why he thinks it is a good idea this is beyond me. However, every time he has asked before here have been reasons why I couldn’t accept his offer, but he has persisted.

“In the last couple of years have been very bad for me with many people in my circle of friends dying or being badly affected by cancer, so I thought that this year I would force myself to accept this challenge and to ensure I can’t back out I will do it to raise cash for more research into cancer.

“I am actually quaking at the prospect, as I will be a passenger rather than be in charge of my own destiny and I am a terrible passenger even in cars.

“On top of that, I have no bobsleigh kit, and the prospect of donning a lycra outfit is as terrifying as sliding helpless in a bobsleigh.”

Bernard said that he had been assured it is “not unusual” for a complete novice to compete at the event, especially a newcomer at his age, but was reassured that he would be receiving some quality coaching before the competition starts.

He added: “it’s too late now to cry off and just hope I can raise a large amount in donations, to make it all worthwhile.”

Anyone wishing to support Bernard’s fundraising campaign can visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/bernard-amos1.