A group of cyclists who have suffered heart problems have been riding 125 miles as part of an initiative co-founded by a Blackburn man.

The cycling group known as The Electric Cranks, departed from Grange-over-Sands to Sunderland on Tuesday and completed the challenge yesterday (Thursday) to raise thousands for charity.

Made up of men aged between 50 and 70 with advanced heart failure, nearly all of The Electric Cranks have been fitted with Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs).

The group of 'e-human' pre- and post-op heart and lung outpatients ride together on electric bikes.

Speaking ahead of the challenge, Bob Gower, 70 from Blackburn, who co-founded The Electric Cranks, said: “We’re travelling coast-to-coast yet again to show the world that you can still enjoy life after heart failure.

“The route we’ve chosen would be challenging for anyone, but thanks to LVAD technology we can now also take part in challenges like this to raise awareness and support for charity New Start and raise money for the incredible support they give to people like me, and families like mine."

This year’s challenge follows the success of their previous coast-to-coast challenge across Hadrian’s Wall in 2022.

The LVAD used by all but one of The Electric Cranks members, the HeartMate 3 heart pump, is created by global healthcare company Abbott.

It is a battery-operated mechanical pump that is surgically implanted into patients who are either awaiting a heart transplant or not eligible for transplantation. This helps their left ventricle – the main pumping chamber of the heart – pump blood to the rest of the body.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Bob Gower from Blackburn, co-founded The Electric Cranks

Lancashire Telegraph:

Bob was joined by Ged, Ian, Peter, Chris and Luca, in the challenge in a bid to raise £10,000 for New Start charity, which supports transplant patients by raising the funds needed to provide high-level, long-term aftercare needs.

Fifty-year-old Luca Fiore is the newest member of The Electric Cranks.

He said: “When I was hospitalised with sudden and unexpected heart failure last year it came as a shock. I was previously very active, fit and well.

“I became so weak I was hardly able to walk. Since being fitted with my LVAD I’m able to walk for miles without an issue. It’s also meant I’ve been able to get back to work in my engineering business.

“The support from the Electric Cranks has been invaluable. Thanks to this technology I’m now able to take part in this challenging 125-mile cycling journey. I’m delighted to be part of a group of self-styled ‘e-humans’ on ‘e-bikes’ and help raise funds for the New Start charity."

Charity administrator from New Start, Lynda Ellis said: “Supporting patients is at the heart of everything we do, and we know just how important funding is in ensuring that those with heart failure are able to lead fulfilling lives.

“LVADs provide a lifeline for people waiting for heart transplants and the benefits of access to this technology is clearly felt by The Electric Cranks, who would be unable to complete these amazing challenges without them.”