A SOUTH Molton man is pledging his support to a local heart campaign by cycling more than 700 miles across the world's highest mountains.

Phil Rycroft, 59, is raising money for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) Moving Hearts Appeal by completing his lifelong ambition of biking across the Himalayas.

The appeal, which was launched last week in the Journal, aims to raise £38,000 to buy a piece of life-saving equipment for North Devon District Hospital.

Phil, from Alswear, said he had never considered he might be someone to have heart problems.

He said: "I had some heart trouble a few years ago and it was this life-changing experience which spurred me into action.

"I realised I needed to keep fit and healthy. Cycling across the Himalayas is a lifetime ambition of mine and something I thought I ought to do before collecting my bus pass."

Phil and a small group of cyclists will ride from the remote city of Lhasa in Tibet to Everest Base Camp North.

The group will then ride across some of the world's highest passes across the Himalayas. They will finally travel to Kathmandu in Nepal.

The journey, which encompasses dirt roads and camping at high altitude, is expected to take 16 days.

Phil, who works at Mole Valley Farmers, decided to raise money for the Moving Hearts Appeal to repay the BHF for the help they gave him.

He said: "The help and support the BHF has given me has made all of this possible.

"Without them, I could not have done this cycle ride. And to show my appreciation, I want to raise money to help the appeal."

The money will be used to buy a portable echocardiograph machine.

The x-ray device, which can be moved to wherever it is needed including community hospitals, can show the complete structure of a patient's heart. This means life-threatening illnesses can be detected and treated.

Phil leaves for his adventure on September 18 and expects to return in the middle of October.

His fundraising target is £2,000 but he wants to exceed that.

He said: "This appeal is a wonderful idea. I am getting so much support for it because, above all, it is a local appeal which impacts on local people.

"You never know when heart trouble might affect you."

To support Phil's appeal, phone 01769 574477 or 01769 550669.

● If you want to help with the appeal, phone the BHF fundraising manager Owen Penney on 01822 612310.