A CYCLING group known as The Electric Cranks set off from Grange this week for a 125-mile, 8,500 feet of ascent, journey to Sunderland.
The six men, aged between 50 and 70, have advanced heart failure and are fitted with Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs). They are due to arrive today (June 29) after setting off on Tuesday, June 27.
Following the success of their previous coast-to-coast challenge across Hadrian’s Wall last year, The Electric Cranks are back to pave the way with their longest cycle to date. Joining them in 2023 is their newest member, Luca, who will be taking part in the race for the first time after being fitted with an LVAD just under a year ago.
The Electric Cranks are a group of 'e-human' pre and post-operation heart and lung outpatients who ride together on electric bikes. They depend on a specialist medical team to provide 24-hour monitoring, care, and equipment maintenance.
The LVAD used by all but one of the members, the HeartMate 3 heart pump, is created by healthcare company Abbott. It is a battery-operated mechanical pump that’s surgically implanted into patients who are either awaiting a heart transplant or not eligible for transplantation. This helps the left ventricle – the heart's main pumping chamber – pump blood to the rest of the body. These heart pumps are an option that can extend survival and restore quality of life.
Ged, Bob, Ian, Peter, Chris and Luca, are taking part in the challenge in a bid to raise £10,000 for New Start charity, which supports transplant patients by raising the funds needed to provide high-level, long-term aftercare needs.
Bob Gower, aged 70 from Blackburn, who co-founded The Electric Cranks, said: “We’re travelling coast-to-coast yet again to show the world that you can still enjoy life after heart failure.
“The route we’ve chosen would be challenging for anyone, but thanks to LVAD technology we can now also take part in challenges like this to raise awareness and support for New Start and raise money for the incredible support they give to people like me, and families like mine."
Luca Fiore, aged 50 and from Sheffield, the newest member of The Electric Cranks, said: “When I was hospitalised with sudden and unexpected heart failure last year it came as a shock. I was previously very active, fit and well.
"I became so weak I was hardly able to walk. Since being fitted with my LVAD I’m able to walk for miles without an issue. It’s also meant I’ve been able to get back to work in my engineering business."
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