The ride is Europe’s largest charity cycling event, with 27,000 cyclists pedalling a total of 54 miles from Clapham Common to the Brighton seafront in order to raise vital funds for the charity.
Last year an impressive £3.3 million was raised to help the BHF continue its lifesaving work, and this year the BHF is hoping to build on that success with the help of the Santander employees involved in the event.
Amongst the riders was Kevin Boyd, divisional managing director at Santander who, along with four colleagues, had already cycled over 500 miles from their office in Edinburgh to join up with the other riders at the start point in London.
Kevin, leader of Team Santander, was taking part in his second ride to Brighton this year, having commenced the inaugural Santander London to Brighton Series on the Night Ride on 26 May. He and the rest of the team will complete the series in the off-road event on 22 September, which will see him complete nearly 700 miles of charitable cycling this summer. Other riders in Team Santander include heart patients, a BHF volunteer, and a committed cyclist who took part in the ride for the ninth time.
Jonathan Elliott, senior community manager at Santander said: 'It was a great day; the atmosphere was fantastic and the weather even held out for most of the riders. We are incredibly proud of all the Santander employees who took part in the ride. It was fantastic to see everyone enjoying the event and, most importantly, together we’ve helped to raise vital funds and awareness for a fantastic cause'.
Nancy Prior, head of events at BHF, said: 'It was an excellent day, enjoyed by both riders and spectators alike. People of all ages took part and it was great to see such a large turnout from Santander. Thanks to them and all of their supporters, the British Heart Foundation can continue to improve the lives of those suffering with heart disease. Every penny that is raised helps us to continue saving lives through pioneering research, patient care, campaigning for change and by providing vital information. None of this would be possible without fundraising events such as the London to Brighton Bike Ride'.
The BHF is the nation’s heart charity, dedicated to saving lives through pioneering research, patient care, campaigning for change and by providing vital information. The London to Brighton Bike Ride raised money for the work of the BHF so they can continue to help fight one of the UK’s biggest killers, heart and circulatory disease. The London to Brighton Bike Ride is part of a programme of over 30 nationwide cycling events supported by Santander in a three year partnership.
image: © Christopher Bowns
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