A 49-year-old woman from Kingston pedalled her way to success in the London to Brighton Bike Ride for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) on Sunday (15 June). 

Jo Barker, who runs Barkers K9 Hydro-Physio, a canine rehabilitation centre, was one of the over 14,000 riders on Sunday who took on the 54 mile route from Clapham Common to the Brighton seafront, all with the same mission to fund lifesaving research – and one of a few who took it on in a handcycle. 

The BHF's flagship fundraising event has been running for almost half a century.

So far this year, it has raised over £1.6 million for the charity's groundbreaking research into new treatments and cures for cardiovascular diseases. Jo raised an incredible £500 by tackling the mammoth cycle. 

Jo, who has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) took on the challenge after she began using a handcycle just under a year ago. 

EDS is a group of rare inherited conditions that affect connective tissue.

Connective tissues provide support in skin, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, internal organs and bones. EDS can affect people in different ways. For some, the condition is relatively mild, while for others their symptoms can be disabling. 

Jo, who has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) took on the challenge after she began using a handcycle just under a year ago (Image supplied)

Jo said: "I was born with the condition and used to ride horses at quite a high level and kayak a lot as well. For the last three-four years I have been in a wheelchair. But I'm not one of these people who can sit around and do nothing, I wanted to get outside and do some exercise.  

"So, I decided to take up handcycling, about a year ago, and then I saw the BHF's London to Brighton Bike Ride and thought that would be a great goal to train for." 

Jo trained for three - four months round Richmond Park.

The 49-year-old said: "It's a bit tricky for me to train with a handcycle on the main roads. There are so many cyclists in Richmond Park, I knew that if I ever got a puncture or needed any help someone would stop and help me. 

"54 miles is certainly the furthest I've ever cycled, and I must give a shout out to my nephew Callum Barker who rode along with me, I'm not sure I would have made it up Ditchling Beacon without a little nudge from him.

"Despite all the training, you are no way near as strong as your legs, it was a struggle for both of us." 

Upon crossing the finish line, Jo said: "Taking part in the London to Brighton Bike Ride 2025 for the British Heart Foundation (BHF), was such a huge challenge and an incredible experience.

"The atmosphere throughout was fantastic and the support along the route was a real motivator! I'm so proud to have completed it.   

"It's so nice to be able to get out there and take part in an event with everyone else. I would recommend anyone give it ago, it's a great day out. I'd love to do it again." 

Roisin Atkinson, Senior Events Manager at the BHF, added: "It's fantastic to see Jo's passion and determination in helping us fund lifesaving research.

"Without the dedication of our cyclists and the commitment of fundraisers like Jo, we wouldn't be able to fund research that has already broken new ground, revolutionised treatments and transformed the lives of millions of people in the UK. 

"The stories of why our amazing supporters take part in our London to Brighton Bike Ride never fails to impress us. It's truly heartwarming to see Jo join thousands of other riders to take on this challenge to help save and improve lives." 

The London to Brighton Bike Ride 2026 ballot is now open: bhf.org.uk/L2B