A Stroud resident who suffered a heart attack during a half marathon is to embark on a grueling cycling challenge.

Geoff Boldero collapsed 400 yards from the finish line at the 2008 Forest of Dean half marathon.

He was airlifted to Gloucester Royal Hospital’s helipad so he could access emergency treatment.

Now 55, Geoff is taking on a five-day cycle challenge from October 6-11 in Madagascar to raise money for the Helicopter Emergency Landing Pads (HELP) appeal.

Geoff said: “It turned out that I had a breakdown of muscle tissue which released toxic chemicals into my bloodstream and caused my heart to stop.

“But ten years on, I feel great. I don’t do much running these days but still wanted to challenge myself so I decided to take up cycling and the Stroud hills are great for training on.

“I’m 55 now and thought this could be one of my last chances to take on something as demanding as the Madagascar cycle challenge.

“As it’s also the tenth anniversary of me surviving my heart attack, I wanted to give back to the HELP Appeal.

“The charity is a lifeline for so many people as it helps to save precious time in getting very ill patients to the emergency care they urgently need.

“Madagascar has a very tough environment with extreme terrain, basic roads and a very hot climate which will all be very challenging. But it will be completely worth it if I raise £5000.”

Geoff has currently raised £806 of his £5,000 target.

Lois Benton, fundraising executive at the HELP Appeal, said: “We are very touched that Geoff wants to support the charity. Time is life, which he completely understands after his experience.

Geoff’s donation will help to build more helipads and reduce the amount of time it takes to get a critically ill patient into hospital care, which is vital to their survival and recovery.

To support Geoff visit: justgiving.com/fundraising/geoff-boldero.