A veteran cyclist is preparing to join heart experts in a challenge to support the city's new heart hospital after being treated by Bristol doctors for more than 50 years.

John Palmer, 79, was born with a heart condition and has been visiting Bristol Royal Infirmary for 55 years so when he heard that some of the surgeons and cardiologists were taking part in a sponsored cycle ride in aid of the new cardiac centre he wanted to join them.

The Bristol Heart Institute (BHI) opened last month to bring all heart services under one roof and the team of nine cardiac experts will be cycling from Yeovil to Bristol, via Taunton, Weston-super-Mare, Swindon, Gloucester and Bath, to raise extra funds to improve the environment of the hospital.

It is hoped that money raised from the event will complete the £800,000 Heart of Bristol fundraising appeal, which was launched to raise money for art projects and additional technology for the new hospital.

Mr Palmer, of Southville, has been cycling since he went out to work at the age of 14 and has taken part in Bristol's Biggest Bike Ride and the Action 100 ride to London.

He said: "I don't ride so much now, especially in the bad weather. I'm a fine- weather cyclist these days and go to Weston-super-Mare and back, and Chipping Sodbury and Bath. I have always done charity rides for various causes and I thought this one, associated with the hospital, was suitable.I found out about it when I went along to the opening of the new hospital"

Mr Palmer will join cardiologist Julian Strange, superintendent radiographer Simon Brown, cardiothoracic surgeon Jonathon Hutter, consultant cardiologist Graham Stuart, vascular surgeon Marcus Brookes, consultant cardiac radiologist Mark Hamilton, consultant cardiac anaesthetist Steve Pryn, consultant paediatric radiologist David Grier and consultant cardiologist Alistair Sandilands in the final leg of the ride at 2.30pm on Sunday, June 7.

Any keen cyclists who want to join them from Bath and Bristol are welcome to in exchange for a small registration fee and sponsorship. To find out more information call 0117 370 0486.