A HEART bypass patient is planning to get his healing heart pumping with an assault on the Yorkshire Peaks to raise money for charity.

Bernard Snape, 53, a financial advisor from Alder Coppice in Lea, Preston, is aiming to raise £1,000 in sponsorship for Heartbeat, the Preston charity that provides long-term cardiac rehabilitation.

The registered Lake District guide's 26-mile dash for cash is in return for the charity's help and support after heart surgery last year.

Bernard said: "I want to do something to show my appreciation. Heartbeat got me through a difficult period after my bypass -- the facilities and the people are brilliant.

"And the charity continues to provide me with a programme of fitness activities including the use of its gym and it has helped thousands of people through difficult times."

The charity champ's tough challenge would have been completed sooner, but Bernard sustained a knee injury while playing badminton and had to call off the trek. Now the foot and mouth restrictions have put an end to his second attempt -- although he is determined to put his best foot forward for the challenge as soon as the restrictions are lifted.

"I thought my heart attack would put and end to my fell walking," Bernard said. "I couldn't even get up the stairs, but 10 weeks after the bypass I was on top of the fells."

Kind-hearted bosses at Wesleyan Assurance Society, where Bernard works, has already donated £250 to Heartbeat from its charitable trust fund.

Managing director of the firm Jim McDonald said: "Heart attacks and bypass operations are a traumatic experience for patient and family.

"Any organisation that can help a patient back to the level of health enjoyed by Bernard is deserving of our help."