THE managing director of a Worcester business is getting on his bike to fund more lifesaving research into conditions like the one that killed his sister.

Colin Bell, who set up Edgar Street-based Bell IT Services in 2003, is gearing up to cycle 100 miles in one day as part of the Prudential Ride from London to Surrey on August 10.

Mr Bell, who lives in Warndon Villages with wife Jo, daughter Chloe and son Thomas, is hoping to raise more than £600 for the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

"For me taking part is a combination of wanting to do the challenge and wanting to raise money for the BHF as their research is vital. At the end of the 1960s before I was born, my sister Fiona, died as a result of a hole in the heart aged three-and-a-half," Mr Bell, aged 42, said.

"Thanks to research, the operation my sister didn't survive is so routine now, and has such a low mortality rate. My dad also had a heart attack over ten years ago and survived it. It just shows how important it is to keep funding this research."

Mr Bell is an avid cycler and has regularly been cycling 100 miles a week.

He said: "I'm not too nervous about the actual event, just about getting organised on the day — everything has to be run like clockwork. But I am excited about it. I often take part in cycle challenges and have been riding with the Green Bike Company in St Johns for a two years, so I think I'm prepared for the challenge."

To sponsor Colin, visit www.justgiving.com/Colin-Bell-RIDELondon2014.

Bell IT Services is offering free IT checks to businesses in return for a donation to Mr Bell's ride. Call 01905 616600 for more.