A DORCHESTER man is on a mission to improve the lives of others.

Around 16,000 cyclists joined the fight against heart disease by taking on Europe's oldest charity bike ride.

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

Over the years the event has seen hundreds of thousands of cyclists pedalling more than 41 million miles, helping to raise nearly £70 million for the fight against heart disease. This year, the event raised more £3 million for the BHF’s vital work.

Amongst those cycling this was 52-year-old Mick Trevett from Dorchester, who raised £500 and completed the course in just under four hours.

He took on the iconic challenge because his dad died from an aortic rupture in 2016 aged 80. This tragic event happened a day after Mick’s wife sadly passed away from cancer, leaving behind his two sons, who are now 17 and 15.

After crossing the finish line, Mick said: “Taking part in the British Heart Foundation’s London to Brighton Bike Ride was such an incredible experience. The atmosphere along the route was fantastic and I’m so proud to have been cycling for the BHF’s vital heart research. Knowing that I was raising money for such a great cause really spurred me on to the finish line – even on the steep climb up the dreaded Ditchling Beacon. I’m proud that the money I raised will help make a difference to the millions of people in the UK living with heart and circulatory disease – I want to live a long time for my two boys.”

Elizabeth Tack, event lead for the BHF’s London to Brighton Bike Ride, added: “Without the dedication and commitment of people like Mick, we wouldn’t be able to fund research that has broken new ground, revolutionised treatments and transformed the lives of millions of people in the UK.

“The stories of why our amazing supporters take part never fails to amaze me and it was incredible to see Mick and around 16,000 others take on this iconic challenge, which will help us put the brakes on heart and circulatory disease for good.”

For more information visit bhf.org.uk/events