A FATHER-of-three is joining the fight against heart disease by taking on the British Heart Foundation’s (BHF) London to Brighton Bike Ride to help raise funds for lifesaving research.
Ian Bowden, 38, will be taking on the 54-mile cycling challenge on June 18 from Clapham Common to Brighton seafront after experiencing first-hand the devastating impact of heart disease.
Ian was born with a condition called bicuspid aortic valve, in which the valve in the main artery of his heart has an abnormal shape making it hard to close.
As a result, his aortic heart valve was leaking blood back into his heart, meaning his heart had to work harder to pump blood around his body.
Since 2013 Ian has had to undergo open heart surgery twice to replace the faulty heart valve, and undergo cardiac rehabilitation to help him recover and get back to fitness.
Now, Ian is challenging himself to take on the BHF’s London to Brighton Bike Ride to help raise vital funds for the charity.
“Having a heart condition has had a big impact on my life, especially when I was younger,” said Ian.
“I always wanted to have a career in the armed forced but couldn’t because of my condition, and always knew from a young age that one day I would have to undergo open heart surgery.
“But I’ve never let it stop me from living my life and keeping active. The work the BHF does is so important, and I am living proof of that. If it wasn’t for research, the incredible work that my surgeons did, and treatments like my mechanical heart valve wouldn’t be available.
“That’s why I’m taking on London to Brighton this year, to help give something back. It’s going to be a challenge but I know it will be worth it when I cross the finish line.”
The BHF’s iconic London to Brighton Bike Ride is Europe’s oldest charity cycling event, with thousands of riders pedalling through the stunning Surrey and Sussex countryside every year, united in the fight against heart disease.
It has built up fantastic support along the 54-mile route, with local communities cheering on participants and offering refreshments all the way.
Every pound raised will help support the BHF’s ground-breaking research and improve treatments for the seven million people like him across the UK who are living with heart and circulatory disease. Around 36,000 people are affected in Coventry alone.
Elizabeth Tack, Event Lead for London to Brighton Bike Ride at the British Heart Foundation, added: “By taking on our incredible London to Brighton Bike Ride, Ian is helping bring us a step closer to beating heart disease for good so we are incredibly grateful for his support.
“Our London to Brighton Bike Ride is a fantastic challenge for cyclists of all abilities and a great day out for all the family who come to celebrate with us on Brighton beach. By following in Ian’s footsteps you too can take on the challenge and help us save lives.”
To donate to Ian’s Just Giving page search for Ian Bowden as www.justgiving.com.
