A HAMPSHIRE man pedalled hard for charity when he took part in a gruelling cycling challenge to fight heart disease in memory of his sister.

Peter Brent was one of thousands who worked up a sweat when he cycled in the British Heart Foundation’s (BHF) London to Brighton Bike Ride.

The 47-year old Fareham man was cycling in honour of his sister Verity Wells and was joined by her widowed husband Mark and her brother-in-law Graham.

Verity was 39 when she died of a heart attack.

Peter was one of 22,000 people taking part in the 54-mile bike ride raising funds for the heart charity.

He said: “Taking part in this event was a real challenge and an incredible experience."

“The atmosphere on the day was brilliant and I am proud to have been part of this milestone day.

“Knowing I was cycling for such a great cause made me determined to succeed.

“It was fantastic to have everyone there cheering me and my team on to the finish, knowing that my sponsorship money will help the BHF to raise funds for the research needed to fight heart disease.”