Olympic cycling golden girl Dani King is backing Wessex Heartbeat’s major charity event of the year.
The Hampshire-bred 2012 team pursuit gold medallist is urging riders to get on their bikes and go the distance for the Wessex Heartbeat Cycle Challenge.
This raises vital cash for heart patients at the Wessex Cardiac Unit at Southampton General Hospital.
Dani, 25, who was born in Hamble-le-Rice and attended Hamble Community Sports College, said: “This is a fantastic event that boosts the coffers of a brilliant charity – helping Hampshire heart patients at their time of greatest need.
“I am delighted to be involved in an event boosting the life-saving care given by the dedicated team at the cardiac unit where more than 20,000 people with heart conditions, including 1,000 children, are seen every year.”
Dani, MBE and three times women’s team pursuit world champion, added: “Cycling is obviously close to my heart and this challenge offers participants a great chance to exercise while helping their community.”
Fitness expert Dani, who is a reserve for this year’s Rio de Janiero Olympic Games, said: “Please get on the saddle and do your bit.”
The Wessex Heartbeat Cycle Challenge takes place on September 11 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 in Romsey and travels through the Test Valley to Winchester, King Somborne, Stockbridge, Houghton, East Tytherley and back again to Romsey.
John Munro, chief executive of Wessex Heartbeat, said: “We feel privileged that a great champion like Dani should stay true to her roots by backing this important cause.
“All money raised – now standing at more than £13 million since our founding in 1992 – goes directly on providing crucial improvements at the Wessex Cardiac Centre to ensure heart patients receive the best treatment with most modern equipment.”
The many Hampshire companies and organisations taking part in the challenge have been joined by Southampton-based Trimline, a market leader in the marine interior fit-out and refurbishment sector.
Trimline chairman Gary Oliver, also a Wessex Heartbeat trustee, said: “We have some keen cyclists in the company and because this event is supporting such a wonderful cause we just had to get on our bikes.”
People interested in joining the ride should visit the British Cycling website www.britishcycling.org.uk 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
Wessex Heartbeat: www.heartbeat.co.uk
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.
For Wessex Heartbeat media enquiries contact Debbie Granville at Deep South Media on: 07884 657782 or email: debbie.granville@deepsouthmedia.co.uk