Wheels turn for Wessex Heartbeat

WHEELS UP: Wessex Heartbeat events and community fundraising manager Tina Richardson with the team from sponsor Trimline.

WHEELS UP: Wessex Heartbeat events and community fundraising manager Tina Richardson with the team from sponsor Trimline.

Fundraisers are being urged to saddle up for a charity bike ride through the scenic Hampshire and Wiltshire countryside in aid of heart patients.

Families, keen amateur riders and a team from event sponsor Trimline are among those set to join in The Heartbeat Cycle Ride on Sunday September 10.

Proceeds from the event – including picturesque 40 and 70 mile routes – are in aid of the Wessex Heartbeat charity based in Southampton.

John Munro, chief executive of Wessex Heartbeat, said: “The ride has become increasingly popular.

“It attracts people of all riding abilities from all over the region, as well as many doctors and clinicians from Southampton General Hospital.

“We are very excited about this year’s event and we hope as many people join in to enjoy the fun as well as the lovely countryside.

“Our thanks go to everyone for their support and our sponsors Trimline who have helped make this year’s ride possible.”

Wheels on fire

Riders choose from either 40 or 70 mile routes, which trail through the picturesque Test Valley area from Romsey through to Winchester and Salisbury and back to Romsey.

Sponsor Trimline, which is a marine interiors specialist based in Paget Street, Southampton, is among the businesses entering a team.

Chairman Gary Oliver said: “Trimline are very pleased to be sponsoring the Wessex Heartbeat Cycle Challenge for 2017.

“It is a pleasure to be part of such a prestigious event and gives all our staff huge motivation to raise money for such a good cause.”

More than 100 riders took part in last year’s event, which raised more than £10,000.

Registration for the cycle ride costs £15 for the 40-mile ride and £20 for the 70-mile ride and riders are asked to raise at least £100 through sponsorship.