A SURGEON is taking on a gruelling bike ride to raise awareness of heart valve disease.

Brighton-based consultant cardiac specialist Ishtiaq Ahmed will be joined by colleague Alex Gannoway, a specialist cardiac nurse, for the ride from London to Paris.

Both men, who work at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, are taking on the challenge for Heart Valve Voice (HVV).

The ride starts on Monday and will finish in Paris two days later.

Mr Ahmed said: “Heart valve disease is a growing concern in the UK. Its prevalence is expected to increase significantly in the next few years, yet levels of awareness and diagnosis still remain low.

“This ride will raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of heart valve disease and the severity of the condition”