DETERMINED riders from Rugby took on Europe’s oldest charity bike ride in memory of relatives – raising £1,250 for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) in the process.
Stephen Thompson, 50, and Dan Chilton, 39, were among around 16,000 brave cyclists to cross the finish line at the charity’s famous London to Brighton Bike Ride.
They rode the 54-mile route from Clapham Common through the Surrey and Sussex countryside, finishing at Brighton’s seafront.
Dan took on the challenge in memory of his grandfathers, who both suffered from heart disease.
Stephen lost his dad as a result of a heart attack in 2016. He was further inspired to raise funds for the BHF after they supported his wife when she underwent heart surgery six years ago.
On crossing the finish line, Stephen said: “Taking part in the London to Brighton Bike Ride was such an incredible experience.
“The atmosphere along the route was fantastic and I’m so proud to have been cycling for the BHF’s vital heart research.
“Knowing that I was raising money for such a great cause really spurred me on to the finish line – even on the steep climb up the dreaded Ditchling Beacon!
“I’m proud the money I raised will help make a difference to the seven million people living with heart and circulatory disease in the UK.”
Elizabeth Tack from the BHF said: “Without the dedication and commitment of people like Stephen and Dan, we wouldn’t be able to fund research that has broken new ground, revolutionised treatments and transformed the lives of millions of people in the UK.
“The stories of why our amazing supporters take part never fails to amaze me and it was incredible to see Stephen and Dan alongside 16,000 others take on this iconic challenge.”
Visit www.bhf.org.uk/events for more information.
