THE COURAGE of his teenage step-daughter is spurring a Christchurch man to take on the gruelling challenge of a mountain bike endurance race next month in aid of the British Heart Foundation.

Technical instructor Robert Jamieson, 58, is riding in the inaugural Hearts First South West Randonée event in Somerset on September 15 to raise funds for the life-saving work of the nation's heart charity.

It is a cause close to his own heart following the emotional roller-coaster endured by his wife Carol and her daughter Tousca Facer who underwent life-saving heart transplant surgery before succumbing to a fatal cardiac condition.

Tousca was just 17 when she died suddenly in December 2002, four years after receiving her heart transplant at London's famed Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Overcoming her illness, the scars left by the operations and the side-effects of the medications she was on, Tousca passed 12 GSCEs - including physical education - at Highcliffe School and enjoyed an active sporting and social life.

The popular party girl even dedicated her 14th birthday just weeks after receiving the transplant to raising more than £1,100 for the Wessex Children's Heart Circle at Southampton Hospital where she was a patient while awaiting the operation.

Now her torch has been picked up by her step-father Robert.

He said: "I've taken up the challenge of the South West Randonée both to prove to myself that I can do it at my age and to raise money in memory of Tousca."

"It is through supporting the pioneering research of the BHF into the causes and treatment of heart disease, that more lives can be saved from the devastation of heart disease."

The Hearts first South West Randonée starts from Cannington near Bridgwater in Somerset with riders following 60 or 80 mile circular routes across the challenging terrain of the Quantock Hills and Exmoor.

BHF event organiser Julie Contreras said: "This is a fantastic new event and will be a real test of determination and stamina. This is the ultimate challenge for mountain bikers in the South West. By taking part you will not only be keeping your heart healthy but also be helping us to continue our life saving work in the South West."

Registration is now open online at bhf.org,uk/swr and further information is available on 0800 169 3672.