Adrian Peake, Executive Director at BMI The Chiltern Hospital on London Road, raised over £4,000 by completing the 250 mile ‘Big Heart Bike Ride’ across Tanzania. Adrian joined a group of 34 men and women, helping to raise in total over £55,000 for four heart charities including, The British Heart Foundation, Tiny Tickers, Cardiac risk in the Young and Heart UK. The 5 day cycle took the fundraisers over 4,000 feet above sea level, travelling over some of the roughest terrain in East Africa, which required both mental and physical determination.

Adrian said, “This represented a huge personal challenge for me, but I am thrilled to have been able to take part in such a rewarding event. As soon as I heard about this opportunity I felt compelled to take on the gruelling challenge, as I feel passionately about the work these charities do. In order to prepare for this challenge I had to complete an intensive six month training programme, which involved cycling 100 miles every weekend as well as spinning classes 3 times a week.”

Adrian and his fellow fundraisers endured tough conditions, cycling through rocky terrain in over 30 degree heat. The bike ride began in the major port city, and former capital, of Dar es Salaam before leading the competitors through nature reserves, rural countryside and local villages to the foot of the Nguru Mountains.

Adrian continued, “I am delighted that collectively we managed to raise over £55,000, which will go towards carrying out vital and ground breaking research into heart disease, the cause of one in three of all deaths in the UK . All the hard work, stumbles and falls have been made worthwhile, knowing that it was all in aid of a very good cause. I would like to thank everyone who supported me and made a donation to help me reach my fundraising target and I look forward to my next challenge.”

If you would like to sponsor Adrian and the team please visit: http://www.justgiving.com/Adrian-Peake Based on information supplied by BMI The Chiltern Hospital.