CYCLISTS have been pedalling through the Hampshire countryside to raise vital funds for Southampton heart patients.

The Wessex Heartbeat Cycle Challenge raised over £10,000 for Southampton General Hospital’s Wessex Cardiac Unit.

More than a hundred cyclists took part in the challenge which had two routes, one of 40 miles and the other was 70 miles.

Consultants, doctors and nursing staff were among the riders who took part in the event which started and ended at Hampshire Collegiate School in Romsey.

John Munro, CEO of Wessex Heartbeat, said: "We are so grateful to everyone who took part.

"A ride of this magnitude is a true challenge and they should all be very proud of themselves.

"Events like this are vital in helping the unit to continue its work.”

Tina Richardson of Wessex Heartbeat, said: “This was our first fundraising cycle ride in 10 years and it was a huge success.

Olympic cycling golden girl Dani King said of the charity event: “This is a fantastic event that boosts the coffers of a brilliant charity-helping Hampshire heart patients at their time of greatest need.”

"I am delighted to be involved in an event boosting the life-saving care given by the dedicated team at the cardiac unit where more than 20,000 people with heart conditions, including 1,000 children, are seen every year."

Next year’s ride will take place on September 10.