A trio of big-hearted cyclists from Wolverhampton City Primary Care Trust are embarking on a pub crawl with a difference.

Geoff Nixon, Derek Handley and Gemma Woodhouse, who all work in the procurement department, are taking part in a marathon 135-mile bike ride to raise thousands of pounds for heart patients.

The cycle ride will start at a pub in North Wales and end up at the Lamp Tavern in Dudley.

The trio will be joined for part of the route by 18 cycling work colleagues, friends and NHS staff, while others are lending their support as route marshals, fundraisers and back-up support.

Geoff, head of procurement at Wolverhampton PCT, said: “Somebody dies from a heart attack every six minutes – that adds up to 10 people every hour.

“We wanted to raise awareness of this shocking statistic and of the incredible work done by the charity Action Heart, based at Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley, to support cardiac patients and help them lead more confident, healthier lives.

“We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of friends and colleagues some of whom are joining us on the ride whilst others have supported us through fundraising and donations.”

The first stage of the bike ride starts at the Giler Arms, Rhydlydan, near Betws-y-Coed, North Wales on Friday, November 26 when seven cyclists cycle 95 miles back to the Lamp Tavern in Dudley. On Saturday, 14 cyclists will cycle 40 miles around 10 Bathams Breweries pubs in the Black Country before finishing again at the Lamp Tavern in Dudley.

Anyone wishing to sponsor the cycle ride can do so via a special website.