Father and daughter put heart into ride heart patients

A father and daughter duo were among 14,000 cyclists who completed the British Heart Foundation's (BHF) London to Brighton Bike Ride.

Graham and Emma Stickland were riding in memory of Graham’s father and father-in-law who both died of a heart attack in their early 60s.

Also, Emma’s sister Becky was diagnosed with congenital heart disease when she was just 18, and underwent pioneering surgery on her aorta.

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Becky has since gone on to run two marathons for the BHF. Graham and Emma raised an incredible £740 for the BHF’s life saving research.

Graham said: “Taking part in the London to Brighton Bike Ride was a real challenge and a fantastic experience.

“The atmosphere was incredible and we are extremely proud to have been part of such an iconic event.

“Knowing we were cycling for a charity that is devoted to funding life saving research needed to fight heart disease made us determined to succeed.

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“It was great to have everyone cheering us on to the finish line; it kept morale on the ride high, which was much needed to complete the dreaded Ditchling Beacon.

“But it was well worth it when we reached the top - the views were absolutely stunning and it was then downhill to the finish line.”

Nancy Smyth, Head of Events at the BHF added: “The BHF relies entirely on the generosity of our supporters to pay for life saving research into heart disease.

“I would like to thank and congratulate everyone who took on this gruelling challenge, everyone who supported our cyclists and all of our volunteers.”

Registration for next year’s event is open at bhf.org.uk/L2B