CYCLISTS across Hampshire have raised more than £7,000 for regional charity Wessex Heartbeat.

The fifth annual Wessex Heartbeat Cycle Sportive saw 130 dedicated participants of all abilities take to the roads to raise vital funds for the leading cardiac charity – smashing the previous year’s target.

Despite the current pandemic restrictions, the event, which was the charity’s first since lockdown, was a true community effort with 20 volunteers signing up to marshal the route.

The staff from Embley Park School were also on hand, with Headteacher Cliff Canning starting the race.

The event saw cyclists battle through heavy wind and rain on a course which took them through Romsey over to Winchester, Stockbridge and Broughton where the 70 and 40-mile routes split.

The longer route went to Salisbury and the shorter 40-mile route travelled back to Romsey via East Tytherley.

“Every year the Cycle Sportive gets bigger and better, and the help from the community felt particularly poignant this year,” said John Munro, CEO of Wessex Heartbeat.

“Be it on on the road or on a stationary bike, cycling is a fantastic way to keep your heart health in check, which makes the Cycle Sportive such a fitting way to raise money for Wessex Heartbeat.

“Raising money for the charity has been understandably difficult, but it is still just as important as ever to strive to improve the cardiac health of those in the region. We are thrilled to have raised £7,000 so far and would like to express our gratitude to all of those involved.”

Hendy loaned a new Land Rover Defender, which acted as a support vehicle, while Southampton bike store Giant provided mechanical help. Water was provided by Hildon.