A RETIRED police officer has raised almost £2,000 for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) in memory of his father cycling almost 4,000 miles.

Wayne Poulton, from Abergavenny took on the challenge of cycling coast to coast of the USA in memory of his father Desmond, who sadly died in 1990 from heart disease when he was only 65. 

Starting in San Francisco, Wayne, who is a seasoned cyclist , was one of only 12 of the 32 starters to complete the gruelling route

He said, "It was an amazing experience and I met some fantastic people. I am delighted that I could raise money for such a worthy cause as the British Heart Foundation. Obviously it is close to my heart and I would like to thank all the people who have supported me with the challenge."

Glenda Meakin, Fundraising Volunteer Manager at the British Heart Foundation, said, "I would like to thank Wayne and all of his supporters for completing such a fantastic challenge. Funds raised by Wayne will make a real difference to the lives of men, women and children whose hearts need a helping hand. Heart and circulatory disease remains the number one killer of people in Wales. The support of local people plays a starring role in its fight against this devastating disease. Wayne has done this for us and as February is National Heart Month we are appealing for people throughout the Monmouthshire to Go Red for Heart with a Wear Red Day or event. We've got lots of ideas to help you. With your support, we can all spend longer with our loved ones."

Visit bhf.org.uk/redfeb, call 029 2089 0148 or email [email protected]">[email protected] to order your free Fundraising Kit.