A Sidmouth couple were left ‘emotional’ after completing a 100-mile cycle ride in support of a leading heart charity that helped their son.
Ian and Becky Robson took on the London to Surrey ride at the weekend to raise money for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) after their son Jed was diagnosed with a heart murmur as a baby.
The couple were impressed by the charity after Jed, 14, attended a heart screening and helped put their mind at ease.
The screening had been paid for by the Hayman family, also from Sidmouth, in memory of their son Jonathan, who died at the age of 27 from an undiagnosed heart condition.
Ian, who has participated in the cycling race every year since it started, said: “It turned out that we had nothing to worry about, his [Jed’s] murmur had grown over with age.
“He didn’t show any signs of heart problems any longer.
“Thank goodness for CRY to resolve our worries and for Jed to carry on with his sport, enjoying a future carefree.”
Becky, who owns The Hair Temple in Temple Street, said it was a challenge to join Ian on the cycle.
The couple left their hotel at 5am on Sunday morning with the aim to meet at the finishing line.
The mother-of-three said the ride was ‘fantastic’, even when battling gusts of up to 50mph as she climbed hills and rode past the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace.
Becky said: “I knew it would be a challenge I would have to conquer on my own.
“I found it all rather emotional, riding in memory of young Jon Hayman who passed away from a heart condition.
“Our son Jed was born with a heart murmur and we have spent many years worrying after his recovery from strenuous exercise has caused concern but CRY scanned him a month ago and put our minds at rest.
“I loved every minute of it, however, when my emotional husband met me at the finish, I said it was great but I’m not doing it again.”
So far the couple have raised nearly £130 and are still collecting for the charity.
To donate to the couple’s cause visit their fundraising page at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SomeoneSpecial/JedRobson or drop in to the Hair Temple.
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