THE ABERGAVENNY Festival of Cycling have announced a new partnership with a Gwent cardiac charity - a cause close to organiser Bill Owen's own heart.

Owen suffered a heart attack 1991 and was one of the first patients to benefit from the work of the North Gwent Cardiac Rehabilitation and Aftercare charity, when it began over 20 years ago.

Owen is still going strong and still an active cyclist so has chosen to give something back by inviting the charity to use his festival for fund-raising.

"This charity was a great help to me personally after my heart attack and I am very pleased we can help them in our way," said Owen.

North Gwent Cardiac Rehabilitation and Aftercare are partnering with the Festival to raise awareness of heart issues over the main Festival weekend of July 12-14. However, they are primarily linking with the Iron Mountain Sportif event on July 13.

The Sportif is the public participation ride over 20, 50 and 100 mile distances that are designed for everyone from the novice and family rider to the experienced club member who wishes to ride the course used by such big names in the British cycling world as Sir Bradley Wiggins and Nicole Cooke during the 2009 National Road Race Championships.

North Gwent Cardiac Rehab provides support and exercise classes for people who have heart disease or heart surgery, allowing them to build up fitness in a safe and supervised environment and recover their health.

The charity will be visible during the Sportif, not only with advertising banners and collection buckets, but by a number of their intrepid members, many of them heart patients, getting on their bikes on Saturday July 13. Most of the riders from the charity will be taking part in the 20 mile event, but a fit few are prepared to attempt the 50 mile ride.

"I haven't ridden a bike for 20 years" said the charity's co-vice-chairman Maggie Woodhouse, "But I owe my health and quality of life to North Gwent Cardiac Rehab, so a few blisters on the behind seems a small price to pay to ensure funding for the future of the charity!"

People with heart problems, including attacks, heart failure and angina, are referred to the North Gwent Cardiac Rehabilitation and Aftercare charity within 48 hours of having an episode. Dr Jackie Austin, a Trustee of the charity, said, "We support patients in their early stages of recover. We provide education, advice and social support that improves the quality of life.

"We are delighted to be involved with the Abergavenny Festival of Cycling and have such a personal link between it and us through Bill."

The Abergavenny Festival of Cycling takes place between July 9-14 and will feature many events including the Iron Mountain Sportif, the televised Town Centre Critterium/Elite Circuit Series, the Grand Prix of Wales, part of the national Premier Calendar Road Race Series, the first ever Para Grand Prix of Wales plus a Fringe Festival featuring a film night and an evening audience with Team GB's London Olympic Games national cycling coach Shane Sutton.

For information about all of the events at the 2013 Abergavenny Festival of Cycling, see http://www.abergavennyfestivalofcycling.co.uk">www.abergavennyfestivalofcycling.co.uk You can also go to the website to enter the Iron Mountain Sportif.

Information regarding cardiac issues and for advice and how to contact the North Gwent Cardiac Rehabilitation and Aftercare charity, browse http://www.cardiac-rehabilitation.org.uk">www.cardiac-rehabilitation.org.uk