A FATHER-DAUGHTER team from North Yorkshire has cycled from London to Brighton for charity.

Graham and Emma Stickland, from Harrogate, took part in the 54-mile ride in memory of Graham’s father and father-in-law, who both died of a heart attack in their early sixties. Emma's sister Becky was also diagnosed with congenital heart disease when she was 18, and underwent pioneering surgery on her aorta.

Becky has since gone on to run two marathons for the British Heart Foundation, while Graham and Emma's sponsored cycle on Saturday raised £740 for the charity.

Emma said: "Taking part in the London to Brighton Bike Ride was a real challenge and a fantastic experience. The atmosphere was incredible and we are extremely proud to have been part of such an iconic event. Knowing we were cycling for a charity that is devoted to funding life saving research needed to fight heart disease made us determined to succeed.

"It was great to have everyone cheering us on to the finish line; it kept morale on the ride high, which was much needed to complete the dreaded Ditchling Beacon. But it was well worth it when we reached the top - the views were absolutely stunning and it was then downhill to the finish line."

The annual event saw more than 14,000 people take part and raised about £2m for the BHF, which will be used to help fund medical research into preventing and treating heart disease.

Registration for next year’s event is now open at bhf.org.uk/L2B