THOUSANDS of fundraising cyclists rolled into the city today as they completed the London to Brighton Bike Ride.

The annual event, run by and raising cash for the British Heart Foundation, concluded on a windswept Madeira Drive – the perfect setting to cool down after the 54-mile journey from Clapham Common.

Many do the ride for personal reasons with the charity close to their heart, others for the challenge and helping a good cause at the same time.

There was a mixture of that with Brighton women Helen Argent and Annie Waller.

Helen, from Patcham, lost her mother to a heart condition in 2013.

She powered through the course with a finish time of slight more than five hours in her mum’s memory.

Helen, 58, said: “My mum had heart problems so I am doing it for her.

“It feels even more personal doing it for a charity like the British Heart Foundation because they do such great work.

“It is a brilliant charity and it gives so many levels of support for people using it.”

Helen does not know how much she has raised yet, but is confident of getting back on her wheels again the next time around to support the charity once again.

She keeps herself fit and has run half marathons in the past – but prefers her bike.

She said: “It is more fun than the running events we have done.

“It is such a fun event, having all the villages closed to traffic. It is a community event.”

Annie, 56, was the main influence on the ladies taking to the tarmac, and she did it for the sheer thrill.

She said: “We did it because we like a challenge and it is for a good cause.

“Anything like this is massive.

“You can have such a big impact on so many people’s lives.”

Annie also wanted to give a special thank you to all the volunteers who could be seen dotted around the streets of Brighton and Hove and beyond.

They lined the streets and showed support with cheers to spur the cyclists on to the finish line.

Annie said: “All the volunteers and refreshment staff deserve a mention.

“If you got stopped at a traffic light they would make it a game and say ‘ready, steady, go’.

“They were all really encouraging and nice and smiley.”

This year was the 42nd London to Brighton Bike Ride, having been introduced in 1976.

It is the oldest event of its kind in the country

Some 15,000 fundraisers are believed to have taken part in this year’s fun, setting off from London at 6am.

Among them were some famous faces, including former England and Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman.

They were met by scores of supporting residents, family members and friends as they cruised along the end stretch.

Harry Parr raced alongside his father, Kevin.

The 21-year-old had an inspirational personal reason for hopping on the saddle today – his first time taking part in the charity bike ride.

He said: “I have got a heart condition.

“I was recently diagnosed with a hole in my heart.

“Everyone has a heart and if I can help others with problems then why not.

“It is all going towards a very charitable cause.”

Harry enjoyed the cycle, too.

He added: “It was really good.

“Ditchling Beacon was tough, as expected.

“We managed to stop halfway up it to take a breather and carried on.

“It was really great to see the view there and then come down to the seafront.

“The support and atmosphere was amazing.”