I am doing the British Heart Foundation London-Paris bike ride in July.

l am doing this ride because, firstly, back in July 2010 l had a heart attack which ended in me having 5 stents fitted. It was the most significant and severe health threat I've had to face and as a consequence some lifetime changes where put in place.

One of these changes included me joining the Bournemouth Heart Club gym. Since joining l have helped the BHF in many ways including the inaugural Bath to Bournemouth bike ride in 2011. This was 82 miles and after 8 gruelling, challenging hours I made it to the finish line. However, this was really just training in the run up to what would be the monumental test, London to Paris. 

So, London-Paris will be 250 miles in 3 days. I am 61 and part of a very small minority daring to push themselves to these limits.

I am doing it because I am thankful to be lucky enough to have survived my heart attack and I take great joy in giving back and helping others in whatever way I can. At the same time I am pushing my physical ability to its maximum.

Every sponsor and every donation however small, will be occupying my mind as I fight the endurance battle on the journey. Your kind donations will help me push on and keep me going and as a result we help make a positive change to other people's lives.

John Groombridge