A man who has recovered from three major operations has backed a hiking campaign to battle heart disease.

Gary Glazerman had three open heart operations and now is supporting the British Heart Foundation (BHF) ‘hike for every heartbeat’.

Mr Glazerman, of Harrow, walked non-stop for 26 hours on the charity's 100-kilometre London to Brighton Trek last year and is calling for others to do the same this year.

The 59-year-old was born with congenital heart disease, underwent his first major operation at just five and in 2012 underwent his third open heart surgery in 2012.

He said: “It was shortly after surgery that I read about the BHF’s London to Brighton Trek and knew that I had to give it a go.

“I’ve benefited from the BHF’s research and education, neither of which would be possible without folk who are willing to challenge themselves for the benefit of others.

“The BHF is a fantastic charity and I am convinced that it is thanks to the research they fund, that we have seen such improvements in treatment for heart patients.”

Hikes in aid of the charity will be taking place all over the country and those interested in taking part can find out more by clicking here.