Olympian Ellie Downie takes on London to Brighton Bike Ride

Former Olympic gymnast Ellie Downie is donning her Lycra once again to take on our iconic London to Brighton Bike Ride in memory of her brother who died from a sudden cardiac arrest. Ellie, a BHF ambassador and first-time cyclist, is now determined to raise awareness for heart conditions by supporting the us.

Ellie’s connection to cause

Josh Downie tragically and suddenly passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest on a cricket pitch in May 2021 at the age of 24. It was later found that Josh had a genetic heart condition called arrhythmic cardiomyopathy, which weakens the muscles in the heart.

We fund around £100 million of research each year into all heart and circulatory diseases such as Josh’s. In 2022, we awarded £30 million to CureHeart, a global team of scientists, aiming to find the first ever cure for genetic cardiomyopathy.

Ellie Downie said: “This is a hugely personal challenge for me. Losing my brother so suddenly and unexpectedly three years ago was incredibly harrowing for all my family. As his condition was genetic, we have all been tested as a family and it could cause future issues for us.

“His life was just beginning and seeing how quickly someone you love can be taken away, is such a stark reminder of how immensely precious our time in this world is. To help the millions of other people and families affected by heart conditions, I want to do my bit by fundraising for the BHF.

Ellie Downie

“I’m not a cyclist and training for such a big event will be a real challenge - this is different to anything I’ve done before. The hardest part of my training will come around the anniversary of Josh’s passing in May so I will be channelling all my emotion into it. My reason for doing the London to Brighton Bike Ride is Josh, so I will ensure I give it my absolute best shot.”

BHF research into heart conditions

Every week in the UK, at least 12 young people aged under 35 dies from an undiagnosed heart condition. Our London to Brighton Bike Ride is our flagship event. Running for 47 years, this 54-mile cycling challenge has raised over £50 million for lifesaving research into cures and treatments for heart and circulatory conditions.

In this very poignant year, Ellie hopes to contribute to our pioneering medical breakthroughs by fundraising to prevent others from experiencing the heartache her family has gone through.

Ellie Downie sitting in front of lights

Sponsored by PureGym, our event will see Ellie and around 10,000 other cyclists take on the 54-mile ride. The route, which starts at Clapham Common, leads riders through the Surrey and Sussex countryside, ending along the iconic Brighton seafront to a bustling event village.

A thanks from the BHF

Anna McCaughley, Head of Events here at the BHF said: “We’re so grateful to Ellie for taking on this year’s London to Brighton Bike Ride to commemorate her late brother. Losing a family member to a heart or circulatory condition is truly heartbreaking and in Josh’s case, a huge shock. We will all be behind Ellie on the day, supporting her and cheering her on as she makes her way along the iconic route.

“Our famous bike ride is suitable for all abilities. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist looking for a time challenge, or someone like Ellie who is new to cycling and wants to do something meaningful and fulfilling, our event is suitable for all. We even have training plans on our website to help support you every pedal of the way.”