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IDRM team goes for gold on the BHF London to Brighton Bike ride
On Sunday 19th June, our IDRM Cardiovascular team took on the London to Brighton cycle challenge to help raise more than £2.8million for the British Heart Foundation who fund ground-breaking research including the work at the IDRM.
With tires freshly pumped, chains oiled, and brakes sharpened, our IDRM team set off from Clapham Common on the 87km enduro. Our very own BHF Professor Paul Riley, leading from the front after being handed number 1 of the many 1000s participating (a true trail blazer despite the commotion caused for people mistaking him as a celebratory). BHF Senior Research Fellow Dr Sarah De Val and team members got away promptly, and the IDRM team composed themselves for the rolling hills of Surrey and Sussex, determined to test their cardiovascular capabilities outside the laboratory.
“Thanks to the BHF Special Events Team for giving me rider number 1: generated a lot of interest en route and enabled me to flag the importance of our research supported by the BHF- a PR master stroke!”
Now to put theory into practice, the headwind and the few climbs kept the team on their toes as they kept a steady cadence. After breezing through Bletchingley with its well-to-do, picturesque air that characterises the best of Surrey, skirted the edge of Horsted Keynes and readied themselves for the infamous Ditchling Beacon. The team started to feel the 50 miles under their belt as they approached the final climb.
“Lovely so catch up with BHF CEO Charmaine Griffiths at the start in Clapham Common- her enthusiasm and support gave us the perfect send-off . . .”
As the IDRM team crossed the line, they had forgotten about the lactic acid in their quads and calves and were relieved to have an ice cream waiting for them to deter any hypoglycaemic effects from the ride. Amazing effort all, you should be extremely proud for the money you have raised for an incredible cause.
“After a 2-year hiatus it was great to be back riding L2B to support the BHF. A brilliantly organised and very well supported event- thanks to the many volunteers and supporters who lined the roads and spurred us on.”
If you would like to donate and contribute to the IDRM’s Just Giving page, please see the link below, every contribution is important to helping the team reach their goal.
Link to Just Giving page.
Link to Professor Sarah De Val's Just Giving page.