Amongst the thousands of cyclists who took on Europe’s oldest charity bike ride to fight against heart disease on Sunday was 50-year-old Margaret Major from Stroud.

“Knowing that I was raising money for such a great cause really spurred me on to the finish line,” said Margaret after competing in the British Heart Foundation’s London to Brighton bike ride on June 17.

About 16,000 cyclists pedalled the 54-mile course from Clapham Common through the Surrey and Sussex countryside to Brighton’s seafront to help fund the BHF’s research into heart and circulatory disease.

Riders celebrated crossing the finish line in the beach village on Brighton Beach.

Hundreds of thousands of cyclists have pedalled over 41 million miles during the 43 years of the ride's existence, helping to raise nearly £70 million for the fight against heart disease - this year it raised over £3 million for the BHF.

Margaret’s efforts completing the ride in just under four hours earned the charity £320.

She took on the iconic challenge for the second time because her dad Maurice Pool passed away from a heart attack in 1981 when he was just 45.Margaret was only 14-years-old.

Margaret said after crossing the finish line: “Taking part was such an incredible experience.

“The atmosphere along the route was fantastic and I’m so proud to have been cycling for the BHF’s vital heart research.

“I’m proud that the money I raised will help make a difference to the millions of people in the UK living with heart and circulatory disease.”

Elizabeth Tack, who heads up the BHF’s bike ride, said: “Without the dedication and commitment of people like Margaret, we wouldn’t be able to fund research that has broken new ground, revolutionised treatments and transformed the lives of millions of people in the UK.

“The stories of why our amazing supporters take part never fails to amaze me and it was incredible to see Margaret and around 16,000 others take on this iconic challenge, which will help us put the brakes on heart and circulatory disease for good.”