A GRATEFUL heart patient is planning to use pedal power this autumn to boost the coffers of a worthy cause.

John Groombridge from Bournemouth is gearing up for the British Heart Foundation’s Bath to Bournemouth bike ride on Sunday, September 30.

The 56-year-old unknowingly suffered a heart attack during the night in July 2010. He said: “I started to feel unwell and experience chest pain but the doctor told me it was a muscle strain so I tried to ignore it.

“The pain got progressively worse and when I went to hospital for tests they revealed I was in the middle of a heart attack and had been all night.

“I have since had five stents fitted and I would like to give something back to the people who saved my life. The Bournemouth Rehab Unit helped me so much afterwards with fitness programmes. I now feel so much healthier and fitter, which is why I am up for this challenge.”

John added: “I want to raise vital funds for the BHF so it can continue saving lives, like mine. My bosses at work have kindly bought me a new bike and this has spurred me on. The bike ride is a great way to get fit and healthy as well as raise money for a fantastic cause.”

Registration for the 80-mile ride, which takes in the stunning scenery of Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire and is expected to attract more than 2,500 cyclists, is now open.

Andrew Coles from the nation’s leading heart charity said: “Heart disease is still the nation’s biggest killer; sadly it touches us all.

“We urgently need people to sign up today for the Bath to Bournemouth Bike Ride; training for the event is a great way to get a healthy heart and also help others suffering from heart disease.”

Taking part costs £25 for adults and £7.50 for children (14 to 16-year-olds).

To find out more about signing up or volunteering to help out at the event phone 0800 169 3672 or register online at bhf.org.uk/ bathtobournemouth.