People from Wandsworth completed the British Heart Foundation’s London to Brighton Bike Ride on to raise money for the heart disease charity.

On Sunday, June 17, more than 16,000 cyclists saddled up to complete the 54-mile course from Clapham Common, through the Surrey and Sussex countryside, finishing at Brighton’s seafront.

Adam Renvoize from Clapham, completed the ride in three and half hours, raising £770, taking on the challenge after his grandad suffered several heart attacks throughout his life, before passing away aged 85.

After finishing the race, Adam, 26, 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.

Poppy Allen, from Putney, took part in the ride with her friends Georgia Mushet, 23, and Sally Dawson, 27.

She raised £1,530, taking on challenge because her best friend was diagnosed with a heart condition two months ago and had to undergo three operations to find out what was wrong. She has since been fitted with a pacemaker – something that BHF research made possible.

After crossing the finish line, Poppy said: “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 seven million people living with heart and circulatory disease in the UK.”

In total, this year’s event raised more than £3million for BHF’s work.

Elizabeth Tack, event lead for the BHF’s London to Brighton Bike Ride, said: “Without the dedication and commitment of people like Adam and Poppy, 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.