SIR - I would like to say a huge thank you to you and your kind-hearted readers for supporting the British Heart Foundation's (BHF) Hearts First Bike Ride, which took place in Worcester on Sunday, June 3.

Thanks to coverage in your newspaper, the ride attracted 322 participants, which was fantastic. We're hoping that once all the sponsorship is in, the day will have raised more than £20,000 to support the BHF.

The support of people in Worcestershire is vital because across the UK almost 600 sons, daughters, mothers, fathers and friends lose their lives to heart and circulatory disease every day.

The charity is committed to preventing lives being devastated by the disease and its research has helped save many lives, but it needs ongoing support.

Many participants have already been in touch to say how much they enjoyed the event and we have had our first enquiries from people wishing to take part next year.

For people wishing to sign up for next year's event or for information on other local events, please visit bhf.org.uk/events or call 0800 169 3672.

Louise McCathie, Regional events organiser, British Heart Foundation.