Rachael Thomas, 40, from Long Eaton, is set to undertake a grueling 160-mile cycling and running challenge to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) following the death of her husband, Rob, who suffered a cardiac arrest moments after returning from a bicycle ride.
The Challenge
On June 19, Rachael will be joined by fellow members of Long Eaton Cycling Club to cycle from Long Eaton to Great Yarmouth. The following morning, the group will tackle the North Beach 5km Parkrun, known as the toughest in the UK due to its entirely soft sand course.
Rob's Death
Rob Thomas, a 46-year-old business analyst at Experian in Nottingham, died in October 2024. The couple had just returned from one of their regular 50-mile weekend bike rides when Rob collapsed. Despite immediate CPR from a neighbor and air ambulance paramedics using a defibrillator, he could not be saved. The cause was later linked to diseased arteries that led to a blood clot and cardiac arrest.
Rachael's Determination
Rachael said: "It was the worst day of my life and Rob's death left the most massive hole. There have been times when the grief has been overwhelming, but I've been determined to get out there and make the most of life just like he always did." She joined Long Eaton Cycling Club to continue the sport they both loved and found supportive friendships. "There are so many supportive club members and I'm really grateful to have five others joining me for this challenge," she added.
Last year, Rachael cycled 85 miles from Experian to Skegness with Rob's colleagues, raising funds for the BHF. This year, she aims to raise even more. Additionally, Rachael and Rob's sister have held cake sales at their workplaces to boost the fundraising total.
Support from BHF
Paula Scaife, British Heart Foundation fundraising manager, said: "We are so very grateful to Rachael and to all her friends and supporters in Long Eaton Cycling Club for backing her in this incredible challenge in memory of Rob and in support of the British Heart Foundation. Far too many of us have felt the pain of losing someone we love. Donating to their fundraising will help the BHF fund advances in research that will get us closer to a world in which everyone has a healthier heart for longer."
Donations can be made to Rachael's Just Giving page: Rachael Thomas VCLE fundraiser for British Heart Foundation.
