Urenco manager’s 54-mile cycle for heart research

A Urenco employee has raised hundreds after cycling 54 miles from London to Brighton for a heart research charity. 

Gillian Johnston completed the feat on June 18 with a group of friends, which included a mile long climb at Ditchling Beacon to the top of the South Downs. 

The accounting manager’s preparations for the event had included hiking to the top of Ben Nevis just two weeks before.  

Gill raised way beyond her target cash sum for the British Heart Foundation, and this was match funded by Urenco through a social impact donation. 

Gill said: “Despite being fearful of the forecast for thunderstorms, we had great weather for most of the ride. 

“My goal was to make it to the top of Ditchling Beacon without stopping, not easy after 45 miles of cycling. I was absolutely delighted to achieve it.

“It was such a brilliant event, boosted by the locals in their gardens clapping and cheering, the brass band at one of the stopping points and the general atmosphere created through the friendliness of the cyclists and marshals.”

Gill’s money will go towards valuable research on heart and circulatory diseases to save lives in the UK.

Several of her friends had babies born with heart conditions and her father and other friends have also suffered heart difficulties at different points in their lives.  

She added: “I’m very thankful to everyone who sponsored me.” 

The London to Brighton Bike Ride takes place every year, starting from Clapham Common and finishing on the Brighton seafront. 

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