84 year old Whitehaven man takes on cycling charity challenge

Gerard McCarten, of Whitehaven, aims to show support for NHS Doctors and Nurses, Emergency Services, and Community Nurses and Carers in Cumbria and the North East.

Gerard also aimed to raise £500 for the Ambulance Emergency Service, Fire and Rescue, and Hospice at Home. 

So far, he has smashed his target by 225% raising £1,126 with donations from 59 people.  

Gerard riding his bike in years passed (Image: Supplied)

Mr McCarten said: "My wife and I owe so much to all the caring professions for their care and dedication over the past 2 decades. 

"I survived prostate cancer detected at the turn of the century, then had a heart arrhythmia attack in 2016 while on his regular cycle ride. 

"Three samaritans in Cleator Moor called the emergency service and made sure I remained conscious until they arrived."

He says he now rides with an angel on his shoulder in the form of a defibrillator. 

In 2020 Margaret returned home from the hospital for palliative care and needed both Ambulance and Fire crews for the transition, which caused quite a stir for the neighbours.

Margaret remains confined to bed and needs care from the ‘Care in the Community Teams’. 

Since Monday, March 20 using the power of a radio-transmitted heartbeat, Gerard aims to cycle for 100 minutes and maintain a heart rate of 100 beats per minute for the duration of his effort. 

Each peak represents 1 circuit, 5.875m gained, and 100 heartbeats. Total circuits 103. Total time 100 minutes = 10,000 kisses (Image: Supplied)

Ten thousand heartbeats will be transmitted over the ethernet to all the doctors, nurses, and carers in the community.

Each heartbeat is a kiss and a hug from Margaret and Gerard to say 'thank you'.

Mr McCarten added: "There are two components to a heart trace, I’m told."

A Cardiosport monitor will transmit the heartbeat and STRAVA will send the signal worldwide. 

Further information can be found on Gerard's Just Giving page set up by his grandson Ben McCarten.