Cyclist to cross globe after heart recovery
Tom WilliamsonA cyclist who discovered he had a heart condition after he passed out attempting to ride the length of Britain is planning to cycle around the world.
Tom Williamson, from Canterbury, is due to set out on Wednesday to cycle more than 18,500 miles (30,000km) across at least 23 countries in aid of Cardiac Risk in the Young.
The 32-year-old lost consciousness while cycling between Land's End and John O'Groats in 2021 and has since undergone a heart procedure.
"There was a long period where I genuinely felt like my future of exploration and adventure had been taken away from me," Williamson said.
"Thankfully, after eventually undergoing a successful heart procedure, I now feel like I've been given a second chance to make those dreams happen."
The challenge is expected to last well over a year.
After setting off from the UK, Williamson says he plans to head across Europe, not taking a flight until he reaches Georgia, in order to cross the Caspian Sea to Kazakhstan.
Other countries he plans to visit include China, Vietnam, Indonesia and Australia.
Tom Williamson"In many ways, I feel like I owe it to my past self to go and do this properly," he said.
"Alongside the adventure itself, I'm also hugely motivated to raise as much money and awareness as possible for Cardiac Risk in the Young, as I know how easily my own story could have had a very different ending."
The charity offers bereavement support, heart screening and research funding for young people with life-threatening heart conditions.
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