Four pedal-heads are gearing up for the London to Brighton bike race to raise money for the British Heart Foundation.

Close friends Mark Johnson, Duncan Olden and brothers West and Rhys Parker, will attempt the 54-mile ride on Sunday, June 16.

The charity has a particular significance to Mr Olden who was just six years old when his father Stewart passed away at the age of 39 after a heart attack.

The Minster resident, who has a son named Dexter, five, and daughter, called Niamhcorr, two, said: “He just dropped dead.

“It’s a charity that is close to me because I’m 34 and I’m getting to the age my father was when he died and I have got a couple of kids now so it gets the old brain working.”

The fundraisers have christened themselves Team Heart and Sole, in a nod to West and Rhys who are both cobblers.

West Parker, who runs WK Shoe Repairs, High Street, Sheerness, said: “We are all into our cycling in a big way.

"It is the first race that we have done but we go out three times a week. We do 20 to 30 miles and go off the Island to Sittingbourne and Ridham Dock.

“When it’s raining, we’re out there braving the wet and wind.”

“It is quite nice having something to look forward to, it gives us motivation to train.”

The 30-year-old, of Broadway, Minster, believes a target of £500 each is achievable.

The team, who will be setting off at 7am from London, will keep pace with their slowest rider so they can cross the finish line together.

Once in Brighton they plan to enjoy a well deserved full English breakfast on the pier.

A team of six riding friends from Whitstable will also be joining up with them on the day.

• A sponsorship form is available at WK Shoe Repairs or you can donate online