A team of volunteers from Whitstable Medical Practice are undertaking a 54-mile bike ride in memory of much-loved Dr Lakshman Kanagasooriam who died last year.

Team Kana - comprising 16 people who work for or are associated with the Whitstable Medical Practice - will cycle the British Heart Foundation’s (BHF) London and Brighton bike ride.

The ride is being organised by Sandra Chandler - a GP at Whitstable Health Centre who worked closely with Dr Kanagasooriam, known fondly as Dr Kana, before his sudden death in December.

Dr Chandler was first inspired to attempt the cycle in 1996, when her father underwent heart surgery at the age of 59 shortly after she herself had recovered from cancer treatment.

“I seriously doubted my ability to complete it,” she said. “But it was exhilarating, and by taking part I felt I was giving something back.”

She then undertook the ride again in 1997, 1998 and 1999.

“On that last occasion, Lakshman was part of the team,” she said. “As on my first occasion, he doubted his ability to complete this and was very pleased to have done so.

“This year, 20 years on from that ride with Lakshman, we are cycling in his memory.”

The team is aiming to raise £3,400 for the BHF in memory of Dr Kana ahead of the ride on June 16.

Dr Chandler said: “The BHF has helped halve the number of people dying from heart and circulatory disease. It’s only thanks to support from people like us that the BHF can create new treatments and discover new cures.”

To donate, visit the team's fundraising page.

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