Wells Leisure Centre competes in 'Race for Red' charity cycle

Wells Leisure Centre is battling it out with two other local sports centres today to win the 'Race for Red' charity cycle challenge.

Avalon Leisure holds this competition annually to raise money and awareness for their charity partner the British Heart Foundation.

Sue Exley from Wells decided to take part in the race as a show of support for family members who have suffered with heart problems.

She said: "It's really important to support charities like this because heart problems are very serious and can be very debilitating.

"My husband's side of the family, particularly his father and uncle, have suffered from serious heart problems and more than anything I'm doing this as a show of support for them."

At 1pm Sue had cycled 7.5 km over 15 minutes of cycling at Wells Leisure centre but she was ready to get back on the bike and clock up a better distance.

Three local sports centres; Frome Leisure centre, Strode Swimming Pool and Wells Leisure Centre got involved, competing to clock up the longest distance on static bikes over the course of six hours.

Frome Leisure Centre has won the last two years' events.

Paul Gorman, Duty Manager at Wells Leisure Centre, commented: "It's a great cause to support especially when you're part of the sports industry and it's our charity partner so we are just doing our best to get our customers involved."

"I don't think we are as competitive as the other sports centres, we are focussing our efforts on fundraising - some customers have donated money not have a cycle!"

"Obviously it would be nice to win but what's most important is raising money and awareness for this great charity."

The race continues until 7pm this evening so there's still time to book up a ten minute slot if you want to do your part for the British Heart Foundation.

Results of the competition and the money raised will be revealed later this month.