Heart patient completes Brighton to Paris bike ride

A man who underwent heart surgery has completed a bike ride from Brighton to Paris to raise money for charity.

Phil Read, 48, from Lancing, set off on the 250‑kilometre journey from the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton, cheered on by the by the team who treated him in 2021.

The father and keen cyclist had been riding up to 100 miles a week before being diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and a leaking mitral valve.

He said: "I wanted to take on this cycling challenge to help raise awareness of heart valve disease, as well as represent the patients and my family members who are now going through a similar situation."

Read underwent surgery followed by a lengthy recovery before returning to cycling.

He said heart valve disease was "a serious, common, but treatable disease" and he wanted more people to recognise its symptoms.

The ride took him through rural northern France before finishing in Paris.

He was joined on the journey by Heart Valve Voice executive director Wil Woan.

The charity supported Read during his treatment and recovery.

He described the challenge as both physically demanding and rewarding.

"From the support we received at the start line at the hospital, the stunning rural North French countryside, to the bustle and busyness of Paris, all made for a challenging but rewarding event," he said.

Read said the encouragement he received helped keep him motivated throughout the ride.

"A big thanks for all the support we have received," he added.

"We had that in our minds during the trip, and it made it all worthwhile."

His connection to the hospital has continued beyond his own treatment.

Both his mother-in-law and father-in-law have recently received cardiac care at the same hospital.

He said both relatives were now recovering well.

Read said the experience had strengthened his determination to support others facing similar diagnoses.

He hopes the ride will help raise funds to improve treatment and support services for heart valve patients.

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