This weekend, a supporter of St George’s Hospital Charity in Tooting is set to cycle the length of the UK for the third time.

Starting on September 9, Martin Smith will pedal more than 1,000 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats through some of the country’s most breath-taking landscapes, such as Dartmoor, The Lake District, and the stunning scenery of the Scottish Highlands, when he takes part in the Deloitte Ride Across Britain.

His ride is in aid of St George’s Hospital Charity’s Cardiac Appeal, which funds vital research, facilities, and medical equipment across all areas of cardiology.

Over the past year, a number of Martin’s family and friends had been affected by heart problems. His father recently underwent surgery in order to have a pacemaker fitted. One of his best friends has a cardio-related condition which means she will be on medication for life, and heart problems also shortened the lives of some of her family. A different friend of Martin’s, who is also a keen cyclist, suffered a cardiac arrest and needed a quadruple heart bypass. He was only 40 years old.

Martin said: “My friend is one of the most physically fit people I know so to say I was shocked doesn’t really do justice to how I felt. My first reaction was not even knowing what to think. Then I knew I had to make sure his wife was OK.” His friend was treated at St George’s and is now out of hospital and recovering well. Martin said that knowing he was in the best place was a huge reassurance.

After these events that affected his friends and family Martin wanted to support the organisations whose research and treatment does so much for those affected by heart problems and coronary disease, so the money he raises will be split between St George’s Hospital Charity and the British Heart Foundation. He will be joined on the ride by friends Anne and Craig too.

Martin said he’s looking forward to meeting new people, spending time with friends, and cycling through Scotland. “It’s a stunning ride and there is nothing quite like watching the sun rise over a misty loch,” he added.

St George’s Hospital Charity Community and Events Fundraiser Lizzie Wilson said: “We owe so much to fundraisers like Martin, Anne, and Craig. Their incredible support of our Cardiac Appeal will make a huge difference to the lives of cardiac patients at St George’s.”

To support Martin, you can make a donation to the charity’s Cardiac Appeal at https://www.stgeorgeshospitalcharity.org.uk/current-appeals/cardiac-appeal or by visiting his fundraising page http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Martin-Smith