A cyclist saddled up for a prestigious riding challenge for heart patients – a year after collapsing and being airlifted to hospital.

Richard Anders, 63, from Weymouth, suffered a cardiac arrest while out riding with friends last year.

Fortunately, three of them were CPR trained; one of whom had received his training just the day before. They began CPR and an ambulance arrived within 15 minutes. An air ambulance also came to Mr Anders' aid, dropping off a doctor who travelled with him to the nearest hospital.

He was fitted with a stent at hospital but later suffered further complications and had to be airlifted to Bournemouth Hospital –making him the only patient to have been carried by the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance twice in one day.

Mr Anders signed up for the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 46 to raise money for the Miles Frost Fund in association with the British Heart Foundation.

He was among more than 500 cyclists competing in the event – a 46-mile slog starting at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London, taking in Surrey countryside and finishing at The Mall in the capital.

Cyclists helped to raise an incredible £250,000 for vital research into improving diagnosis and treatments of deadly inherited heart conditions.

The British Heart Foundation was RideLondon 100’s 2019 charity partner.

Mr Anders said: “It was a truly phenomenal experience. The sense of comradery amongst the cyclists was so uplifting, especially up the more difficult hills, and I loved spotting the red jerseys of other BHF riders along the way."

He added: “I was pretty tired towards the end but the incredible views of London and the excitement coming from the crowds made for an exhilarating atmosphere which carried me across the finish line.

"It feels amazing to know that all of my fundraising efforts and the time and commitment that went into my training will help the BHF to beat heartbreak from inherited heart conditions.”

Liam O'Reilly, Programme Lead at the BHF, added: “We’re so grateful to Richard and the tremendous fleet of British Heart Foundation riders."

Money raised by Team BHF will go to the Miles Frost Fund in association with the BHF to raise money to beat heartbreak from inherited heart conditions.