Homegrown cycle ace Jonathan Dibben is urging people to get on their bike for heart patients.
British cycling star Jonathan Dibben, is urging cyclists to support the charity Wessex Heartbeat.
Dibben, from Southampton, is currently racing for Team Wiggins and is a favourite to be picked to represent Britain at the Rio 2016 Olympics.
But he took time out from his hectic training schedule to pull on a Wessex Heartbeat jersey and promote the charity’s Cycle Challenge in aid of the Wessex Cardiac Unit at Southampton General Hospital.
He said: “My family are long-standing supporters of Wessex Heartbeat.
“It’s a fantastic charity which has raised more than £13 million for the Wessex Cardiac Centre since 1992 and its charity Cycle Challenge is a great chance for a good ride and to raise more money for this vital heart unit.”
The Wessex Heartbeat Cycle Challenge takes place on September 11, 2016 and offers a 70 mile ride and 40 mile ride.
The 70 mile route travels through the picturesque Test Valley area from Romsey through to Winchester and Salisbury and back to Romsey.
The 40 mile route starts from Romsey and travels through the Test Valley to Winchester, King Somborne, Stockbridge, Houghton, East Tytherley and back again to Romsey.
Hampshire based companies and organisations which have already signed riders up for the ride include Liberty Leasing, Trimline and Carnival UK.
Members of the Congenital Heart Team from Southampton General Hospital are also taking part.
Hildon Water is sponsoring the event.
John Munro, CEO of Wessex Heartbeat, said: “Unfortunately, many of us have friends, family and even children who have suffered heart attacks, heart disease or serious heart conditions and have needed the life-saving care of the Wessex Cardiac Unit.
“It is vital we continue to raise money for its research and new equipment and that’s why we need your help to make this fabulous cycle event a success.
“We thank Jonathan Dibben for his valued support and hope his words will inspire many of his fellow cyclists to turn out for us.”
People interested in joining the ride should visit the British Cycling website to register their place
More information is available by contacting Tina Richardson at Wessex Heartbeat on: 023 8070 6095 or via: tina@heartbeat.org.uk
For Wessex Heartbeat media enquiries contact Debbie Granville at Deep South Media on: 07884 657782 or email: debbie.granville@deepsouthmedia.co.uk
Information for editors:
Since it began fundraising in 1992, the Wessex Heartbeat charity has raised more than £13 million to provide crucial improvements at the Wessex Cardiac Centre as well as cutting-edge equipment, clinical education and research.
It also owns and operates Heartbeat House, a free, home away from home for the relatives of heart patients being treated at Southampton Hospital.
