Golf lady captain does John O'Groats to Land's End cycle for Heartbeat in Preston

For other stories about Heartbeat click here /take-part-in-great-manchester-run-for-heartbeat-in-preston-1-9075526 and /youngsters-pack-bags-at-waitrose-for-heartbeat-in-preston-1-8959149Val Makinson, who was lady captain at Rossendale Golf Club during 2017 -2018, chose to support Heartbeat during her year as captain in memory of her friend Peter Ashcroft who died two years ago after having a cardiac arrest.

Val and her husband Keith travelled on quiet roads and tracks, cycling 1,050 miles.

Alnog with other fund-raising activities throughout the year, Val raised £1,200 which will go towards providing heart rehabilitation across the North West.

Lisa Riding, Heartbeat fund-raiser, said: “I would like to thank Val for supporting Heartbeat during this mammoth challenge.

“She raised £800 from sponsors of the bike ride and £400 from fund-raising activities through the year at the golf club.

“The money raised will go towards the on-going work Heartbeat provides to local people that require heart rehabilitation by providing an exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation programme, fully supervised by trained instructors, to those recovering from heart attack, surgery or stroke and supports those at risk of developing these conditions.”

Val, of Rossendale, said: “It was great to be able to complete this challenge and raise funds for Heartbeat in memory of Peter. Completing the 1,050 miles in winter made it more of a challenge with shorter days and some awful weather.

“I would like to thank all my supporters. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.”

Each week Heartbeat supports more than 900 people at its sessions in Preston and surrounding areas which currently cost over more than £1m per year, all of which needs to come from voluntary donations.

To support Heartbeat contact Lisa Riding on 01772 717147 or email [email protected]