A LICHFIELD dad is saddling up for a charity challenge that will see him cycle from London to Brighton.
Greg Collins, 40, will take on the 54-mile ride in aid of the British Heart Foundation after a chest infection led doctors to discover damage to his heart.
The father-of-two was admitted to hospital in January 2025 with a serious chest infection. While waiting for treatment, a nurse offered to carry out a routine health check, which helped discover his heart was functioning at significantly reduced capacity.
Doctors later told Greg that he had mild scarring on his heart tissue which may have been as a result of either myocarditis – an inflammation of the heart muscle – or cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle.
Greg, who works as a manager for a logistic company, said:
"I went to hospital just wanting antibiotics for a chest infection. I never imagined I’d be told there was something wrong with my heart.
"When they said my heart was only working at around 31% compared to normal, I just burst into tears.
"I’ve got two young kids and all I could think about was the worst case scenario.”
Following the scare, Greg committed to making major lifestyle changes, motivated by a desire to be there for his two daughters, aged 11 and nine.
He stopped drinking alcohol, lost more than seven stone and began exercising regularly – including running and cycling for the first time in his life.
Greg said:
"It stopped being just about me. I want to be a dad to my girls for as long as possible. I didn’t want them growing up without me because I hadn’t looked after myself.
"Making these changes has completely changed my life. I feel better physically and mentally, and I can now keep up with my kids.
"My wife Danni has been incredible throughout. She’s been with me at every medical appointment, and during my time in hospital she looked after our girls while also working full-time as a teacher.
"Without her support I don’t know how I would have coped. She has been, and continues to be, my rock – from holding my hand when I was first told there was a problem with my heart to being my biggest supporter throughout my training."
Greg’s heart function has since improved, and while he continues to undergo regular check-ups, doctors are encouraged by his progress and are happy for him to take part in the event on 21st June.
He said:
"I only put my name down because it was for the British Heart Foundation. Heart problems don’t always get talked about enough until they affect you or someone you love.
"This really is close to my heart."
Grace Howarth, senior events manager at the British Heart Foundation, said:
"Greg’s experience shows how heart problems can be discovered unexpectedly and how frightening that moment can be for individuals and families.
"His determination to make positive changes and take on the London to Brighton Bike Ride to support our life‑saving research is incredibly inspiring.
"Funds raised will help us continue our work to prevent heart disease and support people across Staffordshire and beyond."
People can donate via Greg's online fundraising page.
