A FATHER-OF-TWO is beating the odds by cycling for 100 miles from London to Surrey after suffering a cardiac arrest during a charity race two years ago.

Paul Alexander from Sandhurst will be competing in the Prudential RideLondon in August to raise money for a cardiac charity who provide funding for live saving equipment, such as defibrillators.

The keen runner entered the Vitality 10k in London in 2016 after being diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, where his heart would beat too fast.

However, he collapsed during the event and doctors performed CPR chest compressions before he was shocked back to life after paramedics used a defibrillator from a rapid-response car.

He said: "For a while it looked like I would not be able to do any exercise like I used to, but I didn't want to let this define or stop me doing anything I enjoy."

The 46-year-old now has an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator in his chest which will shock his heart back into normal rhythm.

He explained that this has given him the confidence to start training again and he also wears a heart rate monitor to tack his heart beat while training.

"My recovery has been great, although a little stop start on the fitness front I wanted to kick start my fundraising and do something way out of my comfort zone for the old and new me.

"Cycling with friends has really helped me and I have met some lovely people, who have encouraged and supported me."

Paul has been training for the ride with YES cyclists group from Yately, Eversley and Sandhurst.

He hopes to raise £1,500 for a defibrillator to be fitted in his local town and 'give others the opportunity he has had to survive'.

The Prudential RideLondon takes place on August 3 and ends the following day.

Visit: http://bit.ly/2Y6WTIH to donate to his fundraising page.