A GROUP of men will tackle a 1,000-mile cycle ride for a cause close to their hearts.

The Smilers’ End to End team will be raising money for Bournemouth Heart Club and the St James’ Place Foundation.

The group of four will begin today, with cyclist Andy Hoggins taking part to ‘give back’ to the charity who helped him after a heart attack.

He said: “I have been amazed at the support we've had to date with over £1,500 raised so far for each of our charities.

“The Bournemouth Heart Club is such a fantastic facility with its dedicated team of professionals who I just cannot praise highly enough.”

Club chairman, Nick Morgan, said: “We really appreciate that Andrew has decided to take on this challenge as a way of saying thank you.

“This attempt in itself has to be an inspiration to anyone who may be recovering from a recent cardiac illness, to realise that Andrew can even contemplate such a challenge.”

The groups other nominated charity, The St James’s Place Foundation, provides support to children and young people affected by illness, disability or disadvan-tage.

To support them please go to smilersendtoend .wordpress.com