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Researchers swap lab coats for Lycra to celebrate the BHF's 60th birthday
Some committed to cycling 60 miles on our 60th birthday, while others have taken on the bigger and bolder challenge of covering 600 miles throughout July. More than 28 researchers have signed up and so far have raised over £17,500 for ground breaking BHF-funded research.
From Scotland…
BHF Trustee Professor Jill Pell created the #TourdeResearch challenge, encouraging researchers to get on their bikes and raise funds that will help fuel the next 60 years of science.“We wanted to mark this important milestone for the BHF and recognise the great achievements of the charity over 60 years. There is still so much to be done to save and improve lives, but charities have been hit hard by Covid-19, so we decided to roll up our sleeves and do our bit,” Professor Pell explains.
Over the past 60 years, the BHF has been instrumental in countless, life saving discoveries. BHF research has contributed to the first UK heart transplant, the development of pacemakers, the use of clot busting drugs to treat heart attacks, and the rollout of genetic testing for inherited heart conditions. But we’re not done yet. We need the public’s support to keep up the pace of our research and fuel the next 60 years and beyond.
24-year-old Cara Trivett, a BHF-funded PhD student at the University of Glasgow, has signed up for the #TourdeResearch challenge, committing to cycling 600 miles. Cara also took on the Edinburgh Half Marathon for the BHF in May.
“I love riding my bike and am really passionate about promoting healthy lifestyles, especially for women and girls,” Cara says. “Beyond the personal challenge of taking part, it’s so great to be able to connect with other researchers and see what they are achieving. They are inspiring me to keep getting out on my bike and keep the pedals turning towards that 600th mile!”
“I feel very lucky to be a BHF-funded student – the continued professional and academic support provided by the BHF, beyond funding projects, is invaluable to me.”
… to London
Lauren Boland and a team of fellow BHF-funded PhD students at Imperial College London have also taken on the #TourdeResearch challenge.“I have thoroughly enjoyed the 600-mile challenge. It has helped to keep me active and get out the house whilst writing my thesis. I’m thankful to everyone who has donated as it will all go to support the BHF’s life saving research,” Lauren explains.
Our amazing researchers inspire us every single day, but this takes things to another level. It has been wonderful to follow their progress in the run up to our 60th birthday and we are so proud of them all.