Heart patient saddles up

Date published: 28/04/2008

A Lancashire heart patient who is cycling 55 miles to raise vital funds for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) is urging others to join him for the Hearts First Over the Edge bike ride on Sunday 11 May.

Bob Ballard, an architect from Milnrow suffered a massive heart attack while working on the rebuilding of the Arndale Centre in Manchester in 1997. After five weeks in hospital, his road back to fitness was long and began with a short walk every day gradually increasing the distance. He has now completed Over the Edge six times along with a number of other long distance rides in the UK and Europe.

Mr Ballard said: “There is no doubt that cycling has helped me back to health and fitness and would recommend it to anyone as a means of keeping fit and maintaining a healthy heart. I’m taking part in Over The Edge again this year, its great to be able to promote fitness awareness in the community and also to raise money to support the great work of the BHF.”

And this year the BHF is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its most popular bike ride in the North West - a 22, 29 or 55 mile bike ride across the South Pennine Moors.

Join hundreds of others as you make your way from Hollingworth Lake in Rochdale, up and over Blackstone Edge and out into the breathtaking scenery of the East Lancashire and West Yorkshire Moors. There are three routes to choose from - Bronze, Silver or Gold. Are you brave enough to tackle the 55 mile route featuring England’s longest hill climb – a heart pumping 6 miles!

Karen Swale, BHF Event Organiser, said: “Whether you’re taking part for the first time or have given your support year on year, then join in with our sponsored ride through some of the UK's most spectacular terrain. Whichever route you take, you’ll have fun and raise vital funds for the BHF. You’ll get a real sense of achievement as you cross the finishing line knowing you’ve completed the course and raised money for such a good cause.”

And for those cyclists who prefer a longer ride, registration is now open for the Hearts First Lancaster to York – Ride of the Roses.

The BHF is encouraging riders to show their county colours by wearing a white or red t-shirt as they cycle their way across the varied and breathtaking landscapes of Northern England, including the stunning Trough of Bowland, Gisburn Forest and the rugged unspoilt scenery of the Yorkshire Dales.

The road ride starts at Lancaster University, before heading out into the Trough of Bowland, an area of outstanding natural beauty, and across the country towards the finish in York.

For more information about hearts First Over the edge visit:

www.bhf.org.uk/edge

For more information about hearts first Lancaster to York, visit:

www.bhf.org.uk/roses

Or call 01925 819804 for both events.