Cyclists gear up in York to help nation’s heart charity

Bike ride fundraiser helps British Heart Foundation (BHF) save lives
Cyclists from York are putting their hearts into pedal power for the first annual Heart of York Bike Ride to help raise vital funds for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) – the nation’s heart charity.

The event, which is on Sunday 9 September, is organised by the BHF York and Area Fundraising Committee. They are urging cyclists aged 14 years and over to help save and improve the lives of heart patients by jumping in the saddle to cycle one of two circular ‘on road’ routes, both starting from the York St John University Sports Centre Nestlé Rowntree Park. The 22 mile route and the 40 mile route will both take in the best North Yorkshire moorland and countryside, including the eerie moorland of Strensall Common.

All money raised from the event will go to the BHF’s Mending Broken Hearts Appeal – which aims to literally ‘mend broken hearts’.

Phil McMahon, BHF York Committee Vice Chairman and Lead Organiser, said: “We are delighted to announce our first ever cycle event, the Heart of York Bike Ride, today with support from York St John University and the City of York Council. We all know someone that’s been affected by heart disease – sadly it touches us all. Taking part in events like the Heart of York Bike Ride helps the BHF continue to save lives every day. I urge you to register today, your support will make a big difference in helping to beat heart disease for good.”

David Chesser, Pro Vice Chancellor for Resources at York St John University, added: “We are really pleased to be involved in this fantastic event, which we intend to be the first of many local events held at our new sports facilities on Haxby Road. We all know that exercise and fresh air makes us feel good. Getting on a bike is the perfect way for people of all ages and abilities to strengthen their hearts and get fitter – it’s also a lot of fun and gentle on the environment. By getting involved participants could be improving their own heart health, as well as helping to ensure that the BHF’s life-saving and life-changing work continues.”

Councillor Sonja Crisp, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism, said: “York is a cycling city and we are pleased to support the first annual Heart of York Bike Ride. We hope people across York will take part to get fit, have fun, and save lives.”

The BHF saves lives every day by funding groundbreaking research, caring for heart patients and supporting their families. The BHF’s information on heart health changes people’s lives – helping them keep their own hearts healthy. The charity campaigns to help improve the lives of those living with heart disease now, and fight for a healthy heart future for everyone across York.

The event begins with registration and staggered starts from 8am to 9.30am. Entry is £16 in advance (by Friday 31st August) or £20 on the day and includes an event t-shirt. Riders under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult rider at all times. To save a place and register online visit bhf.org.uk/heartofyorkbikeride, or call 01623 624558 (ext. 3).

To find out more about the Heart of York Bike Ride or about supporting the Mending Broken Hearts Appeal please contact Sharon Oakley, BHF Fundraising Manager for York, on 01904 270 776 or email oakleys@bhf.org.uk. For more information about the BHF’s Mending Broken Hearts Appeal, visit bhf.org.uk/mbh.