Bike ride to mend broken hearts

Joe Sladen, aged 26, from Newbury, will join former St Bartholomew’s pupil Martin Baker and Ed Lovat, Rob Pile and Rob Greenwood to cycle from Tower Bridge, London, to Monte Carlo, in September.
In total, the team hope to raise about £10,000 for the BHF Mending Broken Hearts appeal.
The appeal is carrying out research into how zebrafish have hearts which heal themselves naturally and is trying to recreate this, following heart attacks in humans.
Mr Sladen said: “It’s pretty amazing that their hearts recover – it’s an excellent cause.”
The team will leave on September 6 and they are hoping to complete the 1,500km route in 11 days.
They are currently in the middle of training by cycling about 50km at weekends.
Mr Sladen added: “We are definitely on track, based on our training.
“It’s a massive decision (to take part in a big ride) that shouldn't be taken lightly.”
Most of the competitors have taken part in extreme challenges before including cycling from London to Paris, the Royal Marines Commando Challenge, the Tough Guy Challenge and kayaking the length of the River Thames.
To sponsor the team visit www.london2montecarlo.co.uk/