A TEAM of pedal pushers from the NHS have completed a charity cycle ride from London to Brighton.

The group from Chiltern and South Bucks Primary Care Trust (PCT) raised money for the British Heart Foundation and the Cardiac Rehabilitation Service during the event on Sunday, June 19 .

Dr Vivienne McVey, GP in Beaconsfield and also chair man of the PCT's Professional Executive Committee, joined the cyclists on the the gruelling 54-mile journey.

She told Midweek, just before the ride to Brighton: "As well as raising money for an excellent national charity we decided to raise money for the cardiac rehabilitation service which will benefit local patients. Many of us have been in preparation for a few months now and are looking forward to the challenge."

Money raised for the service will be put towards helping patients to recover following heart surgery or a heart attack.

It offers support to improve patients' health, and physical and social well-being. This includes introducing patients to exercise slowly and safely.

Gwen Strong, Cardiac Specialist Nurse, said, "Some people are often nervous about taking part in any form of exercise after they have had heart surgery or a heart attack. The cardiac rehabilitation service helps to give them the confidence to take part in exercise safely, which is a vital part of the rehabilitation process."

To make a donation to the cardiac rehabilitation service call Susan Angel on 01494 606664