Around 16,000 cyclists saddled up to complete the British Heart Foundation’s (BHF) London to Brighton Bike Ride on Sunday.

Among those riding were Nicola Johnston, 47, and Rebecca Lobb, 47, from Ruthernbridge, who raised £1,900.

The pair took on the challenge because they have friends and family who have been affected by heart disease.

Nicola’s son, James, had multiple heart surgeries as a young child on his aortic valve. At 10 years old he had a valve replacement and may need further operations in later life. Rebecca has tragically lost 3 friends to heart conditions.

Nicola said after crossing the finish line: ‘The atmosphere along the route was fantastic and I’m so proud to have been cycling for the BHF’s vital heart research.’

The iconic event saw thousands of riders of all abilities get on their bikes to ride the 54-mile route from Clapham Common, through the Surrey and Sussex countryside, finishing at Brighton’s seafront.  

In Cornwall around 70,000 people are living with the burden of heart and circulatory disease.